Musician Kabelo Mabalane is recording a new song that aims to get South Africans talking about human papillomavirus, better known as HPV, Bona reported.
The song is part of a campaign backed by drug company MSD. The campaign wants more people to learn about HPV and to speak openly about the virus and how to prevent it.
Kabelo shared the news in a social media post. He said he had been in the studio working on what he called a “one-of-a-kind song.”
He promised fans that the track will be upbeat. But he said its message goes further than entertainment, because it is meant to help people understand HPV and why awareness matters.
According to Bona, the project means a lot to Kabelo because cancer has touched his family and close friends. He said 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. He also said it was important to support the MSD campaign.
His wife, actress Gail Mabalane, has worked with him on the song. Kabelo described her as his co-pilot on the project.
HPV is a common virus that can affect both women and men. According to the HPV SA website, 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 with some high-risk types that do not go away can lead to cancer, Bona reported.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk HPV infections. HPV can also cause other cancers and health problems, so the issue does not affect women alone.
Kabelo is urging people to learn more about HPV and to speak to health workers about prevention.
HPV vaccination can help protect against some cancers and diseases linked to the virus. Health workers can also give advice on who can get the vaccine, cervical cancer screening and other ways to lower the risk.
Kabelo hopes the project will make it easier for people to talk about health and take their wellbeing seriously, according to Bona.
The song will be released on Spotify and Apple Music once a final announcement has been made.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Bona. Image: Bona. 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.