Lydia Hartsell

I was riding home on the dala dala last night studying for my upcoming test when I heard a song on the radio that caught my attention.  I was reading about the Millenium Development Goals (click here to read about the MDGs) and their current status in Tanzania.  Tanzania has reached only a select few MDG goals so far in regards to access to clean water for urban areas (only 15% of the population), achieving universal primary school education, and maybe a few other targets.   While contemplating the current state of Tanzania’s development, Akon began to sing a song I found ironically intriguing.  The main lyrics go as follows: “I know that we have to take it to the goal ’cause everyone is depending on we see we ain’t got nowhere to go but, it’s our destiny…”  I was struck by the distinct American-dream mindset in the song although it is about Africa.  I also found it humorous that it happened to correspond to my blog post earlier this week.  Later on I went home and searched for it on Youtube.   It figures that it would be about the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.  Maybe Akon should’ve written it for something more important…maybe the MDGs.  At least the proceeds went to benefit underprivileged youth in Africa (a population often neglected).