'Disinfect the mic before you perform' — Sista Afia urges fellow artistes

Ghanaian singer and songwriter Francisca Duncan Williams Gawugah known by the stage name Sista Afia, has urged her fellow artistes to prioritise hygiene by disinfecting microphones before using them during performances.

She said artistes frequently share microphones at different shows, creating the need for them to take simple precautions to reduce potential health risks.

The musician encouraged her colleagues to carry microphone-safe disinfectant sprays or sanitising wipes and, where possible, use their own microphones.

“I’m going to say something controversial, but my fellow artists need to hear this. PLEASE DISINFECT THE MIC BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR MOUTH ON IT!” she wrote in a social media post on Friday, August 28.

Sista Afia acknowledged that not every illness experienced after a performance could be attributed to microphones, but said the frequent sharing of equipment made precautionary measures necessary.

She advised artistes to clean microphones before performing, particularly because several people may sing, speak or breathe directly into the same equipment during events.

“I’m not saying every sickness after a show comes from a microphone, but with so many people sharing the same equipment, why not take precautions?” she added.

She urged her fellow artistes to take microphone hygiene seriously and make their health a priority.