ORLANDO Pirates and Bafana Bafana's top goal scorer Benni McCarthy, has scored a unique first - a musical recording aimed at uniting soccer fans and Africa at large.

The 36-year-old soccer star-turned-rapper has released a rap single titled Viva Africa, which he has dedicated to "Team Bafana" and the Africa Nations Cup tournament, which kicks off on Saturday.

In 1998 McCarthy collaborated with TKZee on a song titled Shibobo, which became a huge success.

This time he has collaborated with several talented artists, including producer Dome and hip-hop crew Team Tswara.

Viva Africa was released in the first week of December 2012, and has enjoyed airplay from top radio stations like Mhlobo Wenene, Kaya FM and YFM.

"My wish is for Africa to excel and to give all the youths on the continent the opportunity they deserve in the areas of education, sports, music and so on.

"The message in the song really encourages Africans to believe in themselves, to work together, to go higher and see no limit."

McCarthy's manager, Percy Adams, said yesterday: "He also recorded another single called Amabhakabhaka, a tribute to Orlando Pirates supporters for welcoming and supporting him throughout his career at the team."

Dome, who produced both tracks, has worked with musicians like HHP and Slikour. He said he enjoyed working with the famous soccerite.

"Benni is the craziest and calmest person I have ever worked with, bringing a unique element to hip-hop. And I must say I really enjoyed working with him. It felt as if I was recording one of the established artists," Dome said.

McCarthy said the Amabhakabhaka single would be released during the next Orlando Pirates home game.

- mashiloanec@timesmedia.co.za