Now and then we test the abilities of marketing people to promote tough products, like for instance tourism on Rat Island, or little-bitty roses. Today’s assignment is to work on radio ads for witchdoctors, during that crucial morning drive time, when…
Yes, witchdoctors. In Uganda, where these are pretty common, our reporter Tim Cocks says officials are concerned at the number of radio ads pushing witchdoctors and their charms and potions. It’s easy to find someone like Mama Fina, who claims she can help you out with headaches, malaria, pregnancy problems, and just plain bad luck. So hurry, the airwaves may not be available for long, and we need a catchy jingle.
“We don’t want to scare ya, but you’ve got malaria,
and we have a notion that you need our potion… “
Okay, that’s good enough. Call in the jingle singers and book the spots. Here is Tim’s story:
A Madagascan witch doctor is seen before the start of the week-long “Fanompoana” or “washing of the bones” festival in Manongarivo, northwest Madagascar, in a 2005 file photo. REUTERS/Tim Cocks

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2 comments so far
It’s great he wears a tie to work. Must maintain that professionalism.
- Posted by Shawn HendricksWith men, shouldn’t they be warlock doctors? I’ve wondered that since I saw witch doctors on Bewitched when it originally aired.
- Posted by Shawn Hendricks