Pretoria.- On May 14th 2010, the UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark recognized the artists that were part of the recording of the MDG Song ‘8Goals for Africa’ for their contribution and support. Ms. Clark handed out in person UN MDG Envoy for Africa certificates to the artists at the Alexandra Township Stadium. The African Artist that received this certificate at the event are: Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mingus, and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Messages from Baaba Maal, Eric Wainaina, HHP, Angelique Kidjo, Jimmy Dludlu, Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi were displayed during the event.
At the opportunity Yvonne Chaka Chaka said ”...I am humbled to be appointed UN MDG ENVOY FOR AFRICA. Africa is where my heart is, My hope is in Africa. We have made great progress in reducing the impact of Malaria and HIV, BUT it needs continued focus and increased resources. Together we can END all the diseases. All we need is the strong Political Will.”
The Mozambican artist Mingas mentioned “I felt greatly honored and humbled by being designated an MDG Envoy for Africa” by the United Nations. The successful achievement of the Goals is of critical importance to my country and to the continent, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and to assist. I will do my very best to live up to the expectations placed upon me.
The Soweto Gospel Choir received the certificate and declared that they were “truly honoured to be able to contribute to the MDG advocacy campaign, as a UN MDG Envoy for Africa. As artists with our own charity which gives assistance to AIDS organizations that receive little or no funding, and work with people within their community, we are committed to the ideals of the 8 Goals campaign”.
Music composer Jimmy Dludlu added: "I was inspired by this initiative. We want to help promote the Millennium Development Goals and I am optimistic that the song will convey a message of peace, hope and promise of a better future," said Dludlu.
8 Goals for Africa was composed by Jimmy Dludlu and the lyrics written by Eric Wainaina, and is copyrighted to the United Nations. The song and all related materials, including the music video, ringtone, logo and wallpaper are available for free download at
www.8goalsforafrica.org.
The Mozambican artist Mingas mentioned “I felt greatly honored and humbled by being designated an MDG Envoy for Africa” by the United Nations. The successful achievement of the Goals is of critical importance to my country and to the continent, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and to assist. I will do my very best to live up to the expectations placed upon me.
The Soweto Gospel Choir received the certificate and declared that they were “truly honoured to be able to contribute to the MDG advocacy campaign, as a UN MDG Envoy for Africa. As artists with our own charity which gives assistance to AIDS organizations that receive little or no funding, and work with people within their community, we are committed to the ideals of the 8 Goals campaign”.
Music composer Jimmy Dludlu added: "I was inspired by this initiative. We want to help promote the Millennium Development Goals and I am optimistic that the song will convey a message of peace, hope and promise of a better future," said Dludlu.
8 Goals for Africa was composed by Jimmy Dludlu and the lyrics written by Eric Wainaina, and is copyrighted to the United Nations. The song and all related materials, including the music video, ringtone, logo and wallpaper are available for free download at
www.8goalsforafrica.org. UNDP South Africa
