World-renowned musician Angélique Kidjo has covered Miriam Makeba‘s ‘Pata Pata’ for UNICEF. The star who is also the organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador re-recorded the song
Image: Angélique Kidjo IG
Angélique’s version has changed the lyrics to encourage people to practice social distancing and wash their hands to help prevent the spread of the virus. In the cover, she sings; “It’s a time to sit it out!/ This is no-pata-pata… Stay at home and wait it out/We need to keep our hands clean/So no-pata pata/Don’t touch your face, keep distance, please.” Pata Pata means touch touch in isiXhosa.
Speaking on the song, Angélique shared in part; “We all know what needs to be done, but we also know how much communities are suffering. Pata Pata has always been there for people at a time of struggle. I hope it helps once more. And I hope from our confined spaces we can dance once more.”
Angélique Kidjo covers Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata for UNICEF. Listen to it here.
