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'Play with Yourself' : Ray Phiri's' views on safe sex
Reprinted courtesy of AF-AIDS 9 May 2002([email protected])
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Well-known South African jazz musician Ray Phiri, who has performed with the group Stimela, was in Harare recently with what he calls his "One Armed Struggle Regiment" to give the message, "Play with yourself," referring to masturbation as a way of safeguarding against contracting HIV. The name "One-Armed Struggle Regiment" is derived from the act of masturbation as usually practised by men (using one hand).
His second message was: "One condom-one round; no condom-no sex", meaning that if people are going to have penetrative sex, they should do so using a condom and do so consistently. The expression also clearly states that a condom should only be used once. Ray Phiri has coined both these terms and uses them as recurring lyrics in one of his theme songs to educate people on the importance, correct and consistent use of condoms.
With these messages, Phiri illustrated the effectiveness of what he called "edutainment", especially when targeting the younger generation. Calling for "fun with responsibility," Phiri acknowledged the unavoidable nature of human sexuality, and called for people to explore their sexuality but remain responsible to themselves and others by avoiding infection.
Phiri sees masturbation as an effective and cheap way of maintaining one's sexuality and achieving sexual satisfaction while avoiding infection. He emphasised that masturbation is not a sin and dismissed the myths around the subject, through which young people have been told that they will grow hairs on their palms or go blind should they engage in the activity. He advocates that men should use it instead of seeking out casual partners or when their wives don't feel like having sex.
He lamented the loss of opportunities that used to instill positive values in young people. He cited the positive side of initiation ceremonies where messages like "do not abuse your wives and children, be good providers and good members of your community," would be reinforced to young men. Young girls would also be taught the importance and art of abstinence.
To make up for the demise of all these communication channels, Phiri stressed the importance of "edutainment" in filling this gap. In a setting where there are stressful lifestyles due to lack of food, jobs and other economic resources, no time is afforded for effective communication. "Edutainment" can therefore provide a medium for communication on sensitive issues that matter to society such as HIV and AIDS. The reality is that all people, young and old, still love to be entertained, and entertainment can break down these communication barriers.
Referring to the various disciplines of art as the "heartbeat" of any nation, he said the arts are a mirror through which any society can
portray itself. The arts therefore have the potential to be an effective vehicle for portraying and changing the attitudes of society.
He therefore called upon other artistes to meet their social responsibility and carry responsible messages in the various art forms they practise. The key messages Phiri conveyed to his audience were:
- accept people living with HIV and AIDS
- de-stigmatise HIV and AIDS by being sensitive in your talking - insensitivity leads to stigmatisation and stigmatisation leads to
victimisation
- present positive messages in your own languages for everyone to understand
- care for those living with HIV and AIDS and help them to lead positive lives by sharing information with them
- help them keep their immunity boosted by ensuring that they have access to healthy foods
- masturbation should be accepted, it can save your life
In an interview with SAfAIDS, Phiri indicated that he believes in the use of every possible means to prevent infection. He favours a situation where people are given full information on all the methods they can use.
Asked what motivated him to take the HIV issue to heart, Phiri said he has experienced the devastating effect of seeing family members and close friends succumbing to and eventually dying of AIDS. He is currently involved with some AIDS charities in South Africa, and looks after some people who are HIV-positive. He also said he was privileged to have been awakened to the dangers of AIDS through contact with other international artistes like Elizabeth Taylor who were involved with the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFar) in the early 1980s.
These statements were taken from a press conference by Phiri, held prior to a fundraising Dinner and Jazz Festival: 3-4 May 2002. The
two-tiered event was organised by Rooftop Promotions to raise awareness of AIDS and Peace, and featured Ray Phiri and various other artistes. The dinner was well supported and proceeds will go to various charities. The follow-up Festival in the Park attracted a large audience who wanted to see their stars perform.
Other artistes who performed included Chiwoniso Maraire, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Aleck Macheso, Rooftop Promotions, Chikonzero
Chazunguza, Chirikure Chirikure & Detembira, Sekuru Gweshe and Boterekwa Dance Company, Tumbuka Dance Company, Albert Nyathi, Tidings of Love, Vabati vaJehovah and others. SAfAIDS, HIVOS and the Netherlands Embassy supported the hosting of the events.
For more information, contact:
Southern African AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS)
17 Beveridge Road / PO Box A509, Avondale, Harare
Tel: 263-4-336193/4
Fax: 263-4-336195
Email: [email protected] |
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