Ban raps poetic, honouring hip-hop star Jay-Z at gala ceremony

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took time off from his schedule of meeting world leaders and diplomats last night to try his hand – or rather voice – at rap at the gala 50th anniversary celebrations of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA).

“Global classrooms are a cinch/With the help of Merrill Lynch,” he rapped to the distinguished audience that included UNA President Bill Luers, actor Michael Douglas, philanthropist Ted Turner and rapper Jay-Z, citing some of the organizations that have partnered the UN in many humanitarian initiatives. “When you put the org in Google/Partnerships go truly gloooobal.”

Mr. Ban stressed how UNA and last night’s honorees had helped the world body in its humanitarian mission, noting Mr. Turner’s $1 billion donation more than 10 years ago. “UN stays on the front burner/Thanks to our champ Ted Turner,” his vocal chords strummed out.

And Jay-Z himself, whose multimedia “Water for Life” campaign was developed jointly with the UN’s Department of Public Information (DPI) and MTV Networks, came in for special mention and a plea for indulgence.

“Since one of the honorees is my man Jay-Z, I think I’ll try his language tonight. It is a foreign language to me, but one which I love, so please bear with me,” Mr. Ban said.

Then he went on to rap: “With Jay-Z there’s double strife/Life for children and water for life.”