LISTEN: Chasidic singer’s catchy tune promotes Covid compliance in Golders Green
Stamford Hill's Shloime Gertner performs jingle to remind Kosher Kingdom shoppers to follow coronavirus restrictions.
A leading Chasidic singer is working with Golders Green supermarket Kosher Kingdom to promote Covid safety for its customers.
Hiring the services of Stamford Hill singer Shloime Gertner, Kosher Kingdom has played a catchy tune to its customers, with lyrics advising shoppers to wear masks, use hand-sanitiser and avoid busy aisles.
Accompanied by the saxophone and keyboard, lyrics include: “Let’s stay safe and protect each other. This is a customer announcement; in line with the government guidance. Facemasks must be worn in-store; covering both nose and mouth. Hand-sanitisers are positioned around the shop for your use.”
Joined by backing vocals, the singer continues: “Please keep a safe distance between one another; if an aisle is busy go down a different aisle, oh yeah.
“Please avoid socialising.”
He adds: “Thank you for shopping with Kosher Kingdom. Stay safe.”
In an interview with Jewish News, singer Mr Gertner said he hoped a more positive way of providing guidance would encourage shoppers to adhere to the regulations.
This comes after members of the Jewish community have been criticised for not respecting regulations imposed by the government, including being photographed in stores not wearing masks.
“I think this song will make a difference; it has to make a difference,” said the singer.
Mr Gertner, who worked on the song with Israeli musician Asaf Flumendorf, said he received a call from the owner of Kosher Kingdom this month.
He said: “The lyrics are based on an announcement that was playing in Kosher Kingdom. They wanted something more interesting than just reading out the announcement; something lighter and happier.
“They wanted a jingle to play in the store, which would deliver the announcement in a softer way. It is a strong message in a happy song.”
He added: “That is what people want in these strange times. They want the message to come across in a happy way. It is a time when people need music in their lives.
“Just before we finished recording, I added the: ‘Let’s stay safe” bit. I improvised.”
The audio of the announcement has since gone viral on social media since it was first played in the Golders Green store over a week ago. “The reaction has been amazing,” said Mr Gertner.
“People are calling me up, asking where they can download it. It has done very well. The feedback has been great.
“Kosher Kingdom has hit the jackpot with it, to have a message like that sung in a tailor-made way.”
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