To the left, to the left, everything you own in a box to the left.

Nelson Mandela might be the most famous, recognizable, revered person in South Africa. However, there are others who—although not having the stature of the former president—are just as famous.

50 Cent, Nelly, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige are names that come to mind. Perhaps the most famous one of all currently is Beyonce.

The guys and girls at Amasango simply go crazy for her. At times, it’s baffling to me about why there’s such a fascination with these people, especially here in South Africa.

I understand they’re famous. I’m aware the kids see these celebrities as leading glamorous, high-profile lives. I realize the kids see these people as having the means to purchase every material item they could ever dream of. These are all reasons why American kids, and South African kids, might be so in love with these celebs.

What I don’t see is how South African kids can be so fascinated with these people—singers, who sing in English—when they don’t share a common language. There are South African singers who lead exciting lives, who are rich and who are played on the radio. These singers perform in Xhosa, Zulu, and a number of other languages the kids would be familiar with. For some reason though, these South African musicians don’t fascinate like the American pop stars do…and it’s a little perplexing.

I couldn't ever really see myself totally enthralled with a singer who I couldn't understand. I can't see many people I know obsessed with people who sings in another language. The boys and girls at Amasango are just totally in awe over Beyonce though.

These kids might not know exactly what Beyonce is singing or what 50 Cent means when he says “Go Shorty, it’s ya birthday…we gon’ party like it’s ya birthday” but it doesn’t matter. They sing along. They dance. They love him—because that’s just how they roll in South Africa. Word.