Eight African artists (one for each MDG) from across the continent recorded the ‘8 GOALS FOR AFRICA’ song. The song was produced by world-renowned music producer, Arthur Baker. The music for the song is composed by Jimmy Dludlu (South Africa), and the lyrics have been written by Eric Wainaina (Kenya). The participating artists were: Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Oliver Mutukudzi (Zimbabwe), Mingas (Mozambique), Eric Wainaina (Kenya), HHP (South Africa), Baba Maal (Senegal), and the Soweto Gospel Choir (South Africa). Hugh Masekela (South Africa) and Jimmy Dludlu (South Africa) are 2 of the instrumentalists.

Some of the above artists are already involved in global and regional anti-poverty campaigns (Global Stand Up Against Poverty, African Stand Up Against Poverty and Free the Hungry Billion programmes) and some are already UN goodwill ambassadors.

Accompanied by a music video, ‘8 GOALS FOR AFRICA’ is being disseminated free of charge locally and internationally, before, during and after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The performing artists will also make special appearances during the soccer tournament, promoting the MDGs and calling for action from relevant parties.

The ‘8 GOALS FOR AFRICA’ music video will be screened throughout the World Cup, across all the Fan Parks and Public Viewing areas. On the day of the finals, all 8 artists will come together to sing the song in a live performance at the Soccer City Fan Fest in Johannesburg. The video will also be distributed globally to other partners such as television channels, multimedia partners among others.

8 Goals For Africa lyrics

Music by Jimmy Dludlu

Lyrics by Eric Wainaina

VERSE 1

People working for less than a dollar a day

And there’s no answer to the hunger

And the poverty never seems to go away

They’re asking how much longer?

VERSE 2

Let the children go to school

Let there be no reason

They can’t get an education

I see the beautiful minds coming

From miles and miles like butterflies

Let’s feed the thirst in their eyes

CHORUS

Time is tick, tick, ticking

It’s ticking away

Hear the call for a through-ball

Yes! A luta continua

There’s no time to delay

The Africa we dream of

Only 8 Goals away.

Africa E!

Africa O!

VERSE 3

If we teach a girl to read

A future generation rejoices, rejoices

Put a microphone in the hands of our sisters

Hear their voices, know their choices

VERSE 4

We have the power at this very hour

To decide we’re losing no child under five

That they will grow and live to see their eighties

And live to see their babies’ babies

CHORUS

Time is tick, tick, ticking

It’s ticking away

Hear the call for a through-ball

Yes! A luta continua

There’s no time to delay

The Africa we dream of

Only 8 Goals away.

Africa E!

Africa O!

VERSE 5

She puts his hand on her stomach

His  other hand is on the heart, card in his pocket

Their doctor, knows she’ll make it

As for the baby that both parents created

Sitting at the gateway

They are new parents-to-be

Its a good, good day

VERSE 6

We’ve made such major steps

In the right direction

We took the road less traveled by

We’ve pulled hard on the reigns of major sickness

No, we won’t bear the burden of the sadness

CHORUS

Time is tick, tick, ticking

It’s ticking away

Hear the call for a through-ball

Yes! A luta continua

There’s no time to delay

The Africa we dream of

Only 8 Goals away.

Africa E!

Africa O!

VERSE 7

Smoke from factories

Killing rivers and trees

The water’s not drinkable           

The situation’s unthinkable

We must have somewhere to go when we need to go

Overcrowded spaces

Like a maximum sentence

VERSE 8

What we need is opportunity

A world in unity

A level playing field

See where we went wrong

Take a look at the replay

It’s time for fair play

CHORUS

Time is tick, tick, ticking

It’s ticking away

Hear the call for a through-ball

Yes! A luta continua

There’s no time to delay

The Africa we dream of

Only 8 Goals away.

Africa E!

Africa O!