South African musician Kabelo Mabalane is making a new song to raise awareness about human papillomavirus, known as HPV, Bona Magazine reported.
The singer shared on social media that he has been in the studio working on what he called a “one-of-a-kind song.” He said the track will be upbeat, but it also carries a health message.
The aim of the song is to help people understand HPV and to show why knowing about the virus matters.
The project is part of a campaign backed by the pharmaceutical company MSD. According to Bona, the campaign wants more people to learn about HPV and to talk about it openly.
Kabelo said the project means a lot to him because cancer has affected his family and close friends. He explained that his family lives an active lifestyle and tries to make informed choices.
For that reason, he said, any chance to raise awareness about the disease is precious to him. He also spoke about the value of supporting the MSD campaign and its focus on prevention.
His wife, actress Gail Mabalane, has helped with the creative side of the project. Kabelo described her as his co-pilot on the song.
No release date has been given yet. The song is expected to come out on Spotify and Apple Music once a final announcement is made, Bona reported.
HPV is a common virus that can affect both women and men. The HPV SA website says about eight out of 10 sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
The virus often shows no signs or symptoms. This means people can carry it and pass it on without knowing they have it.
Most HPV infections clear up on their own. But infections that last a long time with certain high-risk types of the virus can lead to cancer.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk HPV infections. HPV can also cause other cancers and health problems, so it is not an issue for women alone, Bona reported.
Kabelo is urging people to learn more about HPV and to speak to health workers about prevention.
According to the report, the HPV vaccine can help protect against some cancers and diseases linked to the virus. Health workers can also give advice on who can get the vaccine and on cervical cancer screening.
Kabelo hopes the song will make it easier for people to talk about their health and to take their wellbeing seriously, Bona reported.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Bona Magazine. Image: Bona Magazine. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.