University Don Releases Rap Song Supporting Fight Against COVID-19

By Daniel Dafe

An Associate Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism in Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Dr. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, has released a rap music video in support of the fight against Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that has wrecked havoc in the world with confirmed cases exceeding 2, 000, 000, many deaths reported and economies of nations on a downslide.

The song titled: ‘COVID-19: Keep to the Rules’ apart from creating an awareness of the disease, emphasizes the need to practice hand washing, social distancing, staying at home and use of hand sanitizers as measures to keep people safe from the pandemic.

The music video, apart from the entertaining sound and thrilling lyrics, paints a vivid picture of the destructive tendencies of the disease, as the lecturer likened COVID-19 to missiles that kill without mercy, adding that the disease is invisible and has no regard for religion, race, age, gender and social class.

He called on all to respect God, saying that with him the victory over the pandemic is possible.

Continuing, he said that the disease has messed up big nations like the United States of America, United Kingdom, China and Russia.  
The 5-minute music video which also featured Mofe Lois Omajuwa, was shot and recorded at 007 Music Studio, Abraka.

The production which captures several acts that amplifies the message conveyed through the song was directed by Dr. Ufuophu-Biri.

Feedback from social media users show that the effort by the university don is highly appreciated and would add value to the many activities of stakeholders to curb the spread of the disease
Speaking to Oasis Magazine (OM) about the project, Dr. Biri (as he is fondly called), said: “My message to Deltans is that COVID-19 is real and dangerous. Let us abide by the prescribed preventive measures and support the actions of the State Government in this regard.”

Biri, apart from lecturing, is a stand-up comedian and has anchored over 200 ceremonies in and beyond Nigeria. He is also said to have mentored many comedians and movie artistes.
Ufuophu Biri’s first demo production was in 1999 in Lagos Yom Yem. Since then, he focused on other activities until now he came up with this video, saying that he does a lot of rapping just for the fun of it.

The USA Government in 2009 awarded him as the ‘Broadcast Lecturer in Africa’ through the USA Department of State. This made him to participate in the US International Visitors’ Leadership Program (IVLP) in the US.