Jiving with Science

This project involves developing, distributing, and evaluating 4 CDs over 2 years. Each CD contains a radio-style information interview, interspersed with popular music, targeted HIV health promotion messages, and calls to action. The primary intended audience is the users of local mini-bus taxis. Taxis are the main mode of local transport with an estimated 50 to 60,000 people using a taxi on a weekly basis. 600 copies of each CD have been distributed free of charge to local taxi drivers, tavern owners, and hair salon operators. The fourth CD will focus on the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child.

Specifically, the first CD, Indaba kaMamBiyela, is designed for adult listeners and features a selection of jazz, gospel, and maskanda songs. It follows local notable MamBiyela in her quest to find out more about Africa Centre research and HIV/AIDS. Starting at her home, it takes the listener on a ride in a taxi where she has a discussion with a nurse and then to a road show where she speaks to a counsellor about antiretrovirals (ARVs). Through MamBiyela, listeners discover more about Africa Centre, HIV and TB testing, HIV stigma, breastfeeding, mother-to-child transmission, and ARVs.

The second CD, Indaba kaTira, is geared toward youth in the community and includes a selection of popular hip-hop, house, and rhythm and blues (R&B) tracks. Local star DJ Tira lent his songs and voice as the main character in the story. The narrative follows Tira on a journey by taxi as he travels to meet different people and chats with them about Africa Centre research, HIV testing, ARVs, positive living, and HIV prevention.

The third CD, Uhlelo lukaMroza, focuses on regular and repeated HIV testing. It features a selection of maskanda, kwaito, and gospel songs. The narrative is framed within a radio talk show hosted by Mroza. A local nurse is a special guest on the show and answers questions about the benefits of regular and repeated HIV testing, the management of HIV as a chronic disease, and the availability of HIV testing facilities and ART in the community.

To listen to clips from each CD, click here and then scroll down to the items that begin with the word "Music".

HIV/AIDS

According to organisers, this project has facilitated the engagement of new sectors in the community that are now actively participating in its research and efforts to prevent HIV transmission. Music industry partners have also supported the project by waiving production rights on selected popular music tracks to meet social responsibility agendas. In exchange, they have been given an opportunity to have their music heard in this often inaccessible rural setting.

The Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, is located within the College of Health Sciences of the University. It is funded by the Wellcome Trust for its core population-based research. The Centre's mission and scientific strategy are to:

• conduct policy relevant health and population research, in an ethical manner, in partnership with the community in which it works; and
• enhance the capacity of the people of sub-Saharan Africa to do research.