ARTISTES have been traditionally recognised as role models in society, with a critical role to play not only in entertainment, but also in spreading awareness beyond the stage in times of emergencies and disasters. SOUNDTRACK with Winstone Antonio There is no doubt that the world is going through a lot of stress, despair and hopelessness as billions of people are under lockdown as part of measures to help flatten the curve and curb the spread of COVID-19. Indeed, in trying times, music has long been used as a tool of communication, a means to spread awareness, heals distressed souls and serves as social glue. As people are stuck and isolated in homes, music can bring them together. In realising their role in society, local artistes across genres such as dancehall, sungura and gospel have joined hands in raising awareness in the fight against the coronavirus through their different COVID-19-themed melodies. For such a timely reaction in this current gloomy atmosphere, those artistes who have used their talents and voices in raising awareness and giving people hope in the fight against the pandemic surely deserve a standing ovation. Kudos to you all. No doubt, COVID-19 has hit hard almost every sector and the creative sector is no exception. Sadly, but well-commended especially in line with the World Heath Organisation (WHO), a number of concerts featuring both home-grown and international performers have been postponed while some local artistes have also put their album launches on hold. This has given birth to the new way of doing business. Online platforms have become the solution for performances as well as album releases and launches. Afro-jazz musician Dereck Mpofu, poet-cum-singer Albert Nyathi, sungura singer Romeo Gasa, Mbeu, songstress Gemma Griffiths and gospel singer Flata Maungwe are among the artistes who have composed COVID-19-related songs. Award-winning Afro-fusion musician Ashton Mbeu Nyahora released an emotional single titled Totangira Payi produced by Russo, seeking Gods intervention in the midst of this deadly coronavirus. Through the song, Mbeu pleads with the Lord, calling for His intervention. The song also reflects on how people are hurt after losing their loved ones. Musician-cum-comedian Mdlela Skhobokhobo recently dropped a new version of an old track titled Khumbule Khaya which carries a message of hope for Zimbabweans in the diaspora during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Music producer-cum-singer Lazarus Lazzie T Chapo combined his voice with songstress Vicky Vee on the song Corona, which has an accompanying video which calls for unity in fighting the coronavirus and also gives hope that through Gods divine intervention it will be conquered. Songbird Gemma Griffiths dropped Titungamire on Mbares record label Chillspots Matare Riddim which is a divine call for protection in those disturbing times. Founder of Glorious Family Choir, an interdenominational choral group, Flata Maungwe released a single track titled Rapai Matenda Anetsa that was produced by Carbon Productions in Norton. Th