Happy Video Goes Virus in Zimbabwe

World Today

A video showcasing ordinary Zimbabweans singing and dancing to Pharell William’s hit single ‘Happy’ has gone viral. For a country often associated with economic and political doom and gloom the video is a unique window into the untold side of life in Harare. CCTV’s Farai Mwakutuya has more.

Happy Video Goes Virus in Zimbabwe

A video showcasing ordinary Zimbabweans singing and dancing to Pharell William's hit single 'Happy' has gone viral. For a country often associated with economic and political doom and gloom the video is a unique window into the untold side of life in Harare. CCTV's Farai Mwakutuya has more.

A number of cities have done their own versions of the happy video so Louise Bragg thought why not Harare. In just one day she and her crew hit the streets asking ordinary people to sing and dance.

The video has gone viral on social media, exceeding the wildest expectations of its producers.

People in the diaspora are looking back home and saying things are not that bad we hear all this negativity coming out of Zimbabwe but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you yourself have to be unhappy. You can also just carry one your life and it portrays the resilience that Zimbabweans are really well known for.

Ironically many of the star performers haven’t even watched the video but Louise is making sure they get to see the fruits of their labor.

Judging by the comments it is eliciting it’s more than just a feel good gimmick – in just four minutes the video is putting smiles on faces, warming hearts getting people to forget their cares which can only be a good thing.

What has contributed to making the video a global hit is its authenticity. These are ordinary street vendors, sweepers and parking attendants who are often unsung but are now the stars of the show showing that they indeed are happy.