Ebola: Pop music a surprising weapon against the killer virus

West African artists are using a surprising weapon in the fight against the spread of the deadly Ebola virus: pop music.

The hemorrhagic fever has killed more than 4,000 people mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone andGuineasince March. And estimates warn that as many 1.4 million people could become infected by early next year without a massive intervention.

• AUDIO| Chart-topping songs counter Ebola myths
• Ebola response needs to be scaled up 20 times:UN

Aid workers who've comeup against roadblocks like illiteracy, poverty and skepticism are getting a boost from local artists who are lacing popular music withsimple lifesaving advice.

Adolphus Scott, a Liberian communication specialist for UNICEF, teamed withlocal artists to release the songEbola Is Real.

The track, which helps dispel rumours that the virus isa political scam,has become the No. 1 song on Liberian radio.

Its lyrics alert listeners, saying"it's time to protect yourself, protect your family, protect your community."

• AUDIO|LISTEN to the songEbola is Real

"Here in Liberia, we rely heavily on radio," Scott said in a recent interview with CBC's Jian Ghomeshi, host of the radio show Q.

"Internet is not as big here.Soif you want to send out a message really quick, it's through the radio."

The message has been so pervasive, it's in rotation on more than 50 stations across Liberia, andcan be heard on cellphonering tones throughout the country.

The next step is to translate the song into traditional languages to reach a wider non-English-speakingaudience in the country.

Inspired by the outbreak

Dancehalls in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, are thumping with the songEbola in Town.Thechart-toppingtrack was recorded by Liberia-based artists Shadow andKuzzyof 2 Kings.

The reggae-infused rhythm carries a more ominous message than the government-vetted lyrics ofUNICEF'sEbola Is Real.

"Ebola is very wicked," warns the vocalist."It can kill you quick quick / Be careful how you shaking hands-o / Be careful who you touch."

• On mobile? Watch the Ebola in Town video here

In neighbouring Nigeria,The Stop Ebola Virus Campaign Songfocuses on the importance of personal hygiene in stopping the spread.

It includes a heart-tugging sample ofa childs voice urging "Daddy, wash your hands every time with soap and water."

In Senegal, where there are no reported active cases of the virus, rapper Xumanachieved a hit song with his trackEbola est l(Ebola Is Here).

The song a parody of Rihanna'sUmbrellawarns, "The disease is among our neighbours, Liberians and Guineans."

• On mobile? Watch the video forXuman'sEbola estl

It's not clear how effective these songs havebeen at saving lives, but their messages are proving to be pervasive.

UNICEF's Scott saidthere has been a reduction of Ebola cases in one provincial area of Liberia, but he warns that morefoot soldiers are needed to spread the message of awareness and prevention.

"I see this Ebola outbreak is like a guerrilla-style war that has been waged in Liberia, Sierra Leone andGuinea by microorganisms.We are under serious attack."