VOA标准英语2010年-Shakira World Cup Song Sparks Controve

International Latin¹ super star Shakira has set off a controversy² in South Africa over the official World Cup song. Many have expressed disappointment that a non-South African artist was chosen to record the song, though others do not seem to mind.

The new song is called  "Waka Waka," meaning "This Time for Africa"  It was unveiled on radio stations a few days ago and immediately produced mixed feelings in South Africa, the host country for this year's World Cup. It is supposed to be the official song for the 2010 event, but according to talk radio host (Talk Radio 702) Jenny Crwys-Williams, many have called in to voice their disappointment.

"I love it that South Africans are just coming together as South Africans and saying 'Damn³ it, we've got our own people and it's an African World Cup, it's ours, it belongs to us' so why don't we use some of the magnificent⁴ talent that we've actually got? That's my reading of the calls we got," Crwys-Williams explained.

 

On the streets of Johannesburg, reactions have been mixed. Some strongly disapprove⁵.

"It sucks. 'Waka Waka?' Shakira must not even come through and sing that song. I am serious. She must not. It sucks," said Lindi Munonde.

Nomaswazi Thomo agrees. "Yeah, it has to be South African," she said. "I mean, we've got so many talented South African singers who can actually pull it off. And really, I mean, how is Shakira going to sing the African part of it?"

Others say the World Cup is not just about South Africa, it's about South Africa hosting it and bringing it to the world.

Sechaba Sebusho states, "I don't have a problem with it being sung by a non-South African in the sense that it might be an African World Cup or a South African World Cup, but it is for everyone to enjoy."

Olebogeng Ntsime agrees, "For the fact that it has Freshlyground [band], they are people who originate⁶ from South Africa.  I think it's ok.  Whether it's Shakira or Beyonce, I think it's OK."

Heidi Botes says, "I think what's great about the fact that there are a lot of artists, it unites the world. The soccer World Cup is not just about South Africa, it's about South Africa hosting it and bringing the world."

The song is a collaboration⁷ between Shakira and the South African band Freshlyground. It is scheduled to be performed at the World Cup kickoff concert in Soweto on June 10.
 

1 Latin   

adj.拉丁的，拉丁语的，拉丁人的；n.拉丁语

参考例句：

• She learned Latin without a master.她无师自通学会了拉丁语。
• Please use only Latin characters.请仅使用拉丁文字符。

2 controversy   

n.争论，辩论，争吵

参考例句：

• That is a fact beyond controversy.那是一个无可争论的事实。
• We ran the risk of becoming the butt of every controversy.我们要冒使自己在所有的纷争中都成为众矢之的的风险。

3 damn   

int.该死，他妈的；vt.指责，贬斥，诅咒

参考例句：

• Damn this useless typewriter!这台破打字机真该死！
• I knew damn well what he was going to say.我非常清楚他要说什么。

4 magnificent   

adj.壮丽的，宏伟的；华丽的；极好的

参考例句：

• The museum that we visited is very magnificent.我们参观的博物馆是很宏伟的。
• That's a magnificent task.这是一项宏伟的任务。

5 disapprove   

v.不赞成，不同意，不批准

参考例句：

• I quite disapprove of his behaviour.我很不赞同他的行为。
• She wants to train for the theatre but her parents disapprove.她想训练自己做戏剧演员，但她的父母不赞成。

6 originate   

vi.起源于，来自；vt.创造，创始，开创

参考例句：

• All carbohydrates originate from plants.所有的碳水化合物均来自植物。
• All theories originate from practice and in turn serve practice.任何理论都来源于实践，反过来为实践服务。

7 collaboration   

n.合作，协作；勾结

参考例句：

• The two companies are working in close collaboration each other.这两家公司密切合作。
• He was shot for collaboration with the enemy.他因通敌而被枪毙了。