Culture

After amassing incredible $80m net worth, music icon, Akon, now devotes time to African causes

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2022

African-American music icon, Aliaune Thiam, known in the entertainment world as Akon, has always been one star who has refused to forget his African roots throughout his illustrious career, and had been dedicated to making life better on the continent.

And after amassing a whopping $80 million net worth, the Senegalese-born Akon has decided to devote his resources and time for African causes and not just in his home country.

Back in 2015, Akon had said in an interview that the reason for his dedication to African causes was because the charities that are currently on the continent did not always help the people they claimed to help.

“One thing I’ve realized about Africa is that only the organizations that involve Africans themselves are successful,” he had said.

“A lot of corporations that come with their own policies and try and implement them in Africa fail horribly.

“The advantage we had is that all three founders (of his charity) are Africans, so we were able to navigate through each country a lot faster.”

Over the years, Akon has used his success as a musician to lobby for positive change throughout Africa and his vision has helped provide new opportunities for Africans from all walks of life.

Since 2015, Akon, a Platinum-certified star and five-time Grammy award nominee has done so much more for Africa than most charities have for decades, providing electricity for mo 1000 households across the continent and in the process, being able to light up the land through affordable renewable energy with the power of the sun.

One of Akon’s charity, Akon Lighting Africa, are now installed in 14 African countries and, for the first time ever, a number of households, villages, communities, schools, and health centers that are located in rural areas are all now connected to electricity – all thanks to Akon’s desire to make a difference.

Akon also has various charities he runs and supports across Africa which includes the Konfidence Foundation, his own charity for underprivileged children in Africa.

Other charities and foundations he supports are the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Clothes Off Our Back, Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, NoVo Foundation, ONE Campaign and Peace One Day.

Related Topics:Africa Akon Featured Music

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Culture

Ghanaian stages one-man protest in support of LGBTQ+ rights

Published

16 hours ago

September 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Ghanaian activist, Texas Kadri Moro, has embarked on a one-man protest across Accra, the country’s capital, in support of gay rights and the LGBTQ community.

Moro, who is the Executive Director of Arise for Justice International, carried out his protests with placards nailed on a cross on the streets of Accra, on Thursday, and rounded up on Saturday.

The activist who spoke with journalists at the end of the march, said he is heterosexual, married to a woman and a father of six. He stated that he is a teacher and a practising Muslim.

“Justice begins where inequality ends or judging others on their sins is simply an act of arrogance and pride,” he said, echoing some of the messages on his large placard.

“To say that they are sinners and they should go to prison when you yourself, you are also a sinner? Is it because they are a minority?”

Speaking on Ghana’s anti-gay bill which was passed by parliament early this year, Moro said:

“There are so many issues about rights when it comes to the bill. Homosexuality does not affect anyone. We have activities that people are doing in the country that are worse than homosexual activities, like adultery. The parliament, he said, should be more concerned with other crimes and pollution.”

Moro said since he began his protests, he has lost his job, has not received any assistance from the LGBTQ+ community, and has become a target of very hostile attacks from the Muslim community. But he declares that he is not deterred neither will he back down.

Moro also marched in Accra in April and in Cape Coast in July, wearing pink which he says is a symbol of love.

Culture

Tyla picks another award at the MTV VMAs

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African Ampiano singer and songwriter, Tyla, has picked another accolade after winning Best Afrobeats award for her hit single “Water” at the MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 11.

Tyla won in a category that had Nigerian superstars Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tems and Lojay, also nominated, taking her award collections since bursting into the music scene both internationally and locally to include a Grammy, Billboard, BET, Metro FM Music, Basadi in Music awards.

With the new award, Tyla has become the first South African artist to win a VMA.

In her acceptance speech, Tyla reflected on her win, calling it “special, but also bittersweet”.

“This is such a big moment for Africa and African music.

“This is just so special, but also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats.

“It’s a thing, and even though Afrobeats has run things and has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse, it is more than just Afrobeats.

“I come from South Africa. I represent Ampiano. I represent my culture, and I just want to shout out to all the Afrobeats artists in this category with me.”