The United Nations has mobilized some of the foremost artists of Africa and the airwaves of the world in launching a song and music video to drum up support for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of combating hunger and poverty across the continent.

With a catchy tune and rhythm, the song is sung by eight artists reflecting the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – the targets for reducing extreme poverty, hunger and disease, while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability – that world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015.

Between the verses a chorus declaims the iconic cry for freedom from the wars of liberation against Portuguese colonialism in Africa: a luta continua, the struggle goes on – only this time against each of the evils that deprive Africans of their human rights to a decent life.

The song, entitled “8 Goals for Africa,” has also been recorded as a video to be screened across all fan parks and public viewing areas at soccer’s World Cup in South Africa next month, an event expected to be watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It will be disseminated free of charge locally and internationally.

“There can be no spectators in the fight against poverty,” UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark said at the song’s launch ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.

UN Information Centres (UNICs) around the world are already calling on media in their regions to report on and air the song and video now.

“This is a great opportunity to raise popular awareness of the MDGs, with the potential to reach millions of people,” UNIC South Africa said. “The organizers are hoping that when the song is played during the World Cup matches, audiences will already recognize the song and be able to sing along with key phrases.”

The eight artists are: 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 and Jimmy Dludlu (both South Africans) are two of the instrumentalists and the song was produced by world-renowned music producer, Arthur Baker. The music was composed by Mr. Dludlu, with lyrics by Mr. Wainaina.

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Malian Artist put off a trip to Mali after his wife convinced him to attend the 52nd Grammys.  Just as he planned to leave New York for Los Angeles, a snow storm came in, grounding all flights. Diabate had to drive to Atlanta from New York to catch a flight to Los Angeles in time for the Grammys. Little did he know the prize was his. This was Diabate’s second nomination and his first win in the Best Traditional World Music Album category.

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“Oh Africa” is a song recorded by Akon featuring Keri Hilson and The Soweto Gospel Choir as a charity single that will benefit underprivileged African youth. The song and the filmed music video were released today as a digital download on Grammy Night January 31, 2010.

Proceeds from the sale of the new song will go towards helping underprivileged African youth. Akon’s Konfidence Foundation will be one of the main charities set to receive a portion of the proceeds.

“Oh Africa” will accompany the new, global Pepsi football TV commercial and form the centerpiece of the brand’s new worldwide campaign “Refresh Your World,” which is based on enabling youth to make a positive change in the world in which they live.

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Nigeria has set the tone for Afropop and 21 year old Cameroonian singer and song writer Ambe Tebong Neba a.k.a Denzyl is adding Cameroon to the mix. His just released single, ‘So Long’ could soon serve as a ‘party warmer’ with its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics.

The song is about his mother who passed away, written as a love song anyone can relate to. “When I sing, ‘You stole my love away’, I’m talking about how the cold hands of death snatched my mother from me. Loosing her was really heartbreaking, but it made me stronger. The video is a celebration because in Africa, after mourning the death of a loved one, we then celebrate the person’s life and the fact that the loved one now lives forever in the next life. In the same way, after you suffer with lost love or any other problems in life, you must always celebrate the fact that you live again to fight another day.”

After the devastation in Haiti, the artist decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from each paid download of the song ‘So Long’ to UNICEF and the Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts.

AFRICANVIBES.COM: Cameroonian Artists are fairly new to Afropop. What inspired you to pursue this genre?

I listened to a lot of American Hip Hop/R&B from the time I was still running around in diapers – or napkins, as we called it then; that influenced me a lot. By the time I was 13, I was only thinking about music. I thought of doing something different in my local language (Pidgin English), which everybody could understand. However, I still include pure English language in some of my songs from time to time in order to reach those who cannot understand the pidgin language.

AFRICANVIBES.COM: What was it like creating your own album?

It’s never an easy road when you’re trying to create something you hope people will like, even if you’re the most gifted dude on earth. Many times we even have to sleep in the studio trying to come up with something. I have sacrificed a lot of time, energy and personal relationships hoping to make it happen. I even lost a girlfriend I really loved because I was spending all my time in the studio sessions and had no time for anybody else. Now, I’m very excited because we came up with something new and revolutionary; a rare blend of Afrobeat with Hip Hop/R&B that we call AFRO-HOP. Yes, we’re introducing the Afro-Hop revolution, and those who’ve already listened to SOME of the songs on Jango Radio online are really appreciating and loving the sound.

My debut album – which was in fact a demo presentation entitled ‘’E Don Blow’’ – was produced in Nigeria by J Sleek, the same guy who made the music for  African superstars like 2 Face Idibia, Faze, Chuddy K and Sound Sultan. Some songs were also produced by Jedi of Chillen Music, a recording studio in Buea, Cameroon. My collaboration with J Sleek was the most enriching experience for me because he is a Nigerian artist and music producer with an incredible record of greatest hits. And he happens to have produced most of my songs.

AFRICANVIBES.COM: Which artists have most inspired your musical career?

Well, many different artists and many different vibes inspire me. From Africa, I would name 2 Face Idibia as my best of them all. I love his music and vibe, and he’s a true inspiration for younger artists like me hoping to accomplish something new. I also love Akon a lot and he inspires me to accomplish even more than he has done to date in the USA and worldwide. Finally, I believe there is a little bit of Michael Jackson in every living artist. He’s the best of all time!

AFRICANVIBES.COM: It must be challenging trying to stand out as an Artist in Africa. How has it been for you?

I’ve known all the ups and downs of the musician’s life in Africa, mostly the downs. It would not surprise you that, even though I am very talented, it is often very difficult finding a good manager or reliable record label in Africa. I had not found one until I signed with Barthson Global Communications (BGC) who have representation in the US, Cameroon and South Africa. At first I was a hustler doing all by myself, but now things are so much better as I have this whole professional set up working for me.

I am a fighter. I keep on surviving because I fight back and I go out there looking for the best opportunities. My musical inspiration is what motivates me, and my faith in God sustains my motivation. With faith in God, all things are possible. Please, don’t get me preaching now… (laughs).

CONNECT WITH DENZYL ON HIS BLOG

DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES OR DOWNLOAD ON AMAZON

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The event which took place in Kenya drew some A-Listers including Akon who showed up dressed in an all-white ensemble looking suave.

The night kicked off with host Wyclef doing a tribute acappela to African nations and proceeded with performances that excited the crowd.

 Trevor Nelson who hosted last year was no match for Wyclef who took the event to new heights. He challenged Akon to a ‘power tussle’ to do 25 pushups on stage which they did. He also challenged Akon to join him in stripping to boxers. He strips to his black Armani boxers and Akon to his white Calvin Klein boxers keeping the audience entertained.

The event closed with 5 African countries taking all awards. Nigeria topped the charts this year still with 5 Awards, Kenya and South Africa both carried 3 each while Ghana and Congo Brazaville left with one each. Lucky Dube’s son emotionally received his late father’s Legend Award. The night closed with a tribute to Michael Jackson.

BEST FEMALE – Amani (Kenya)

BEST MALE – Nameless (Kenya)

BEST PERFORMER – Samini (Ghana)

BEST GROUP – P Square (Nigeria)

BEST ALTERNATIVE  - Zebra and Giraffe (South Africa)

BEST HIP HOP – M.I. (Nigeria)

BEST R&B – 2FACE (Nigeria)

ARTIST OF THE YEAR – D’Banj (Nigeria)

BEST NEW ACT – M.I. (Nigeria)

BEST VIDEO – HHP (South Africa)

LEGEND AWARD – Lucky Dube (South Africa)

MY VIDEO AWARD – Patricke-Stevie Moungondo (Congo Brazzaville)

LISTENERS CHOICE AWARD – Nameless (Kenya)

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Many fans fell in love with half Ghanian -half Sierra-Leonian actor Idris Elba when he appeared on the hit show ‘The Wire’. He went on to star in films like Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s Little Girls” and the block-buster hit thriller “Obsessed”, and can now be seen on NBC’s “The Office”.

Now that he has conquered the film circuit, the smooth talking star who moved from Britain to the USA a few years ago to broaden his acting career is ready to add the title of singer to his resume.

This decision shouldn’t come as a surprise to die-hard fans who know that Idris already produced an album called “Big Man” that wasn’t commercially released.This new album, tentatively titled “King Amongst Kings” will feature four to six tracks, one of them being a reaggae influenced song called “Please Be True”.
“A lot of people are just getting over the fact that I’m not playing gangsters”, he said (referring to his stint on ‘The Wire’), “And now I’m singing.This is a new side I’m Offering”.

In the interview with Essence magazine, Idris offered no release date, but mentioned that he will star in three new films. He will play a soldier affected by post-traumatic stress in the movie ‘Legacy’, and will star alongside TI in ‘Takers’. He is also working with actress Zoe Saldana in ‘The Losers’

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MTV and Zain have signed up urban music legend and hip hop rebel Wyclef Jean as the host of the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain.

The prolific artist, musician, writer and producer will be jetting into Nairobi, Kenya to take command of the stage at the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain on 10 October 2009, bringing his legendary showmanship, outrageous sense of humour and infinite enthusiasm to the Indoor Arena of the Moi International Sports Complex.

As well as presiding over the hottest contemporary music talent from across the African continent, including Kenya’s Wahu, Nigeria’s M.I., South Africa’s Lira and Ghana’s Samini, Jean will perform live at the awards.
The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain was created in 2008 to celebrate the best African contemporary music.  The second annual awards will take place at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Complex, Nairobi, Kenya on 10 October 2009.

The TV show of the awards will broadcast on TV channels around the world from 17 October 2009, including MTV base (DStv Channel 322, Daarsat) and terrestrial channels RTGA (DRC),  ZNBC (Zambia), Citizen TV (Kenya), WBS (Uganda), TBC 1 (Ghana), TV3 (Ghana), STV (Nigeria) and AIT (Nigeria).

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If you have never heard of her, soon you will. Her song L.O.V.E will have you tapping your feet, moving your head and jumping off your seat to move to the beat. She is the new kid on the block and her talent is unquestionable. The 19 year old singer has shared the stage with the likes of General Levy and Jahaziel and she is called Sharon Rose.

Sharon Rose was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK when she was 9 years old. She is unafraid to get up on that stage and do her thing. I caught up with the budding star as she prepares to release her new single L.O.V.E next month for an interview.

Belle Niba: How did you start out in the music business?

Sharon Rose: Well, I woke up one beautiful morning during the summer and I said to my brother “I want to do an album and can you make some music for me please” and after a month and a half, we had written, produced and recorded the album and were preparing for the show which was going to be a few weeks after we had finished recording!

Belle Niba: Looks like you have been working hard. What has the journey been like in creating your own single?

Sharon Rose: It’s been like MAD hard work, but that’s a good thing! Its been exciting and eye opening!!!

Belle Niba: Which artists have inspired your album and career?

Sharon Rose: On my first album, I have to say that my inspiration came from people like Jill Scott and Beyonce …but I was still trying to discover myself and what I was good at. For this album, names like Coldplay, Robyn, Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Lauryn Hill, CeCe Winans, Pink and Jill scott pop up! Its crazy! Lol

Belle Niba: Who writes your songs?

Sharon Rose: My brother and I wrote the songs for the first album, but for this one, I’m taking the lead for a bit…showing my skills, but its not completed yet, so you never know!

Belle Niba: Why did you choose to sing about Love in your first single?

Sharon Rose: Because I wanted to (lol)! Nah but seriously, I love Love…so I thought it only right to write about it! Also because it’s a quirky subject and it’s almost summertime and people like that sort of stuff at this time of year!

Belle Niba: How has life changed since you became an artist?

Sharon Rose: When I became an artist, I thought it was going to be a fun and easy ride! But I realized really quickly that there is a lot of work to be done and that I had to get up off my butt and grind! Some of the challenges have been the traveling thing and keeping up with the business side of things-learning to be patient and working with people who are less than patient! But I realized that every second I waste getting worried about something stupid, someone else is getting on with work that I should be getting on with, or someone else is earning money I should be earning, so I try by all means not to worry!

Belle Niba: Have you gone through moments when you doubt yourself?

Sharon Rose: I definitely have been through those moments and it is mostly when I see someone who I think is better than me at singing or performing but then I realize that there is NO ONE in this world that can do what I can do so I quickly snap back and do my thing!!!!

Belle Niba: I hope you all stop by her website at http://www.sharonrosemusic.com and show her some L.O.V.E

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Michael Jackson is back in court with Rihanna this time for nicking the hook of African Jazz legend from Cameroon, Manu Dibango. Dibango filed a lawsuit in Paris on Tuesday against both Rihanna and Michael Jackson, claiming the artists have nicked one of his hooks “mama-say mama-sa ma-ma-coo-sa,” a Dual chant from his 1972 classic single “Soul Makossa”.

Dibango references one of the most famous bits in Jackson’s 1983 track, “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” Jackson had already admitted to borrowing the line, according to the AFP, settling with Dibango out of court, but when Rihanna came calling in 2007, asking to sample Jackson on her song “Don’t Stop the Music”, Jackson agreed – allegedly without contacting Dibango. “Don’t Stop the Music” went on to top the European Hot 100.

Dibango’s is demanding €500,000 in damages and that Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music be barred from receiving “mama-say mama-sa”-related income until the matter is resolved.

French judges will announce on 17 February whether they will hear the case.

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Africa has long featured a vibrant music scene, but artists have had difficulties breaking into overseas markets. With MTV’s Saturday night award show, African artists now have an opportunity to get more global exposure as well as celebrate the continent’s artistry.

The MTV first-ever music awards program for Africa took place in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja with acts from across the continent nominated for prizes on November 22nd 2008. Nigerian Artists were the big winners at Saturday’s 1st annual MTV music awards for Africa on their own turf, keeping 6 of the 10 awards given out.

There was a cameo appearance by US rapper The Game, who gave a brief medley of his hit songs. There were also performances by the rapper’s compatriots Flo-rida, and Kelly Rowland. The legend gong went to the late Fela Kuti, the Nigerian pioneer of Afrobeat. The award was received by the star’s children, Yemi and Seun.

Winners were selected by fans sending text messages except for the legend award.

There was also a tribute to “Mama Africa” Miriam Makeba, the South African singer who died just over a week before the award event.

Winners each received a Golden Microphone trophy, which has a futuristic microphone emerging from a globe of the world, with the African continent symbolically placed at the top of the world.

Even though this was an African event there were some non-African artists nominated in different categories, including Lil Wayne, The Game, Coldplay, and Keys.

The full list of nominees and winners for the 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards were:

Best Female Artist
Wahu (Kenya) – Winner
Asa (Nigeria)
Dama Do Bling (Mozambique)
Sasha (Nigeria)
Zonke (South Africa)

Best Male Artist
Jua Cali (Kenya)
2Face (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria) – Winner
DJ Cleo (South Africa)
HHP (South Africa)

Best Live Performer
Samini (Ghana)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Cassette (South Africa)
Jozi (South Africa) – Winner

Best Group
P-Square (Nigeria) – Winner
Freshly Ground (South Africa)
Jozi (South Africa)
The Parlotones (South Africa)
East African Bashment Crew (Uganda) – Bebe Cool and Necessary Noize

Best Alternative
Buraka Som Sistema (Portugal)
Goldfish (South Africa)
Seether (South Africa) – Winner
The Parlotones (South Africa)
Coldplay (UK)

Best Hip-Hop Artist
9ice (Nigeria) – Winner
HHP (South Africa)
Professor Jay (Tanzania)
Lil Wayne (USA)
The Game (USA)

Best R&B
P-Square (Nigeria)
Akon (Senegal / USA)
Loyiso (South Africa)
Alicia Keys (USA) – Winner
Rihanna (USA)

Best Artist of the year
Asa (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria) – Winner
P-Square (Nigeria)
HHP (South Africa)
Seether (South Africa)

Best New Act
Kwaw Kese (Ghana)
Wahu (Kenya)
9ice (Nigeria)
Naeto C (Nigeria) – Winner
Da L.E.S. (South Africa)

Video of the Year
Movaizhaleine (Gabon) – Nous
Ikechukwu (Nigeria) – Wind Am Well – Winner
P-Square (Nigeria) – Roll It
Freshlyground (South Africa) – Pot Belly
Pro Kid (South Africa) – Uthini Ngo Pro

Listener’s Choice Award
- Jax Panik (South Africa) – ’Cigarettes and Cinnamon’
– D’Banj (Nigeria) – ’Why Me’ – Winner
- Naakaya (Tanzania) – ’Mr. Politician’
- JB Mpiana (DRC) – ’Zadio Kongolo’
- P Unit Featuring DNA (Kenya) – ’Una’
- Toniks (Uganda) ’Beera Nange’
- Ofori Amponsah Featuring Samini (Ghana) – ’Odwo’

MAMA LEGEND AWARD – Fela Kuti (Nigeria)
MY VIDEO AWARD – Jide Rotilu

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