UNITED NATIONS — Eight of Africa’s best known musicians are calling for commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in a song, video and advocacy campaign. It will be featured before, during and after the World Cup 2010, the first to be hosted in Africa, the continent least likely to achieve the MDGs.

8 Goals for Africa features Yvonne Chaka Chaka from South Africa, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo from Benin, Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe, Eric Wainaina from Kenya, Baaba Maal from Senegal, and the Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa. World renowned jazz musicians Hugh Masekela and Jimmy Dludlu from South Africa are instrumentalists on the track, produced by Arthur Baker from the United States.

“These artists have teamed up to deliver a song that will stir our souls and create awareness at individual, community and government levels to re-focus commitment to the MDGs,” said Mark Schreiner, Deputy Representative for the UNFPA office in South Africa, which provided technical and financial support to the project as part of a team effort by the United Nations agencies in the region. “With the eyes of the world trained on the World Cup in South Africa, the tournaments become critical opportunities to renew our commitment to the MDGs,” he added.

The song and music video will be screened throughout the World Cup (which starts on 11 June) across all the fan parks and public viewing areas in South Africa, Schreiner said. It is also being disseminated free of charge locally and internationally, and wide distribution is encouraged. The performing artists will also make special appearances during the soccer event, promoting the MDGs and calling for action from relevant parties. On the day of the finals, all eight artists will come together to sing the song in a live performance at the Soccer City Fan Fest in Johannesburg.

“I was inspired by this initiative,” said music composer Jimmy Dludlu at the launch event. “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,” he added.