Akon is making headlines with his latest effort to provide
solar-powered electricity for 600 million Africans, but though the
Senegalese-American chart-topper has a history of passion for impacting the
community. His past projects have underscored a common trend of not helping,
but empowering.
Akon has engaged in numerous
innovative endeavors that have spanned many corners of Africa. But he is tired
of people associating Africa with a “charity case.” In an article in the National Journal, Akon
boasts his home continent is “open for business.”
“I can be an artist … and make
money. But I’m in a place where I’m gifted … and offered opportunities where I
can make a difference and change lives.”
“I’m a businessman first, then
musician,” he told Al Jazeera in a separate interview. So why
not make money and change lives at the same time, he asks.
Konfidence Foundation
In 2007, the Konvict went on a
mission to enhance confidence in Africa’s youth. The foundation started as an
effort to provide African children educational materials, health services, a
wider spread of learning resources, and a better recreational environment. Akon
teamed up with Keri Hilson for the song, ‘Oh Africa,’ and donated part of the
song’s proceeds – along with additional money made from touring – to the
children.
Akon emphasizes the importance of
education as a stepping-stone to success. “When we created the Konfidence
Foundation, it was more so to find a platform to educate all these children so
that they can have a better future with what’s left to develop in Africa,” he told Allhiphop.com.
Peace One Day
Talk about a sweet escape. Peace One
Day — an organization dedicated to promoting global ceasefire and non-violence
— was founded by filmmaker Jeremy Gilley who wished to devote 24 hours in
pondering and action of a simple yet profound notion: who will you make
peace with? Akon spearheaded the organization’s efforts in the Great Lakes
region of Africa by headlining a concert that took place at the Democratic
Republic of Congo’s Goma airport. His mass appeal was critical in delivering
the event’s message via digital and televised broadcasts reaching millions.
“I’ve performed at some incredible venues around the world, but nothing like
this. The symbolism of having this concert at Goma International Airport, as a
gateway to the rest of the world, is so powerful,” Akon said in a press release for Peace One Day.
Akon Lights Africa
The sun has risen on what is to be
Akon’s largest project to date. The singer embarked on a mission one year ago
to launch an initiative to provide solar powered electricity for
millions of Africans who live their lives in the dark. After the sun
sets, people cannot even see the person in front of them. It’s impossible to
read or study. Akon’s initiative will allow Africans access to enough
electricity to charge their phones at home, watch TV, and even procrastinate on
doing homework late into the night. So far, ‘Akon Lighting Africa’ has
installed solar street lamps and household solar panels in millions of African
households spanning over 14 countries. The sustainable
initiative – currently approaching its seventh tour of lighting – is made
possible by Akon’s established academy, which specifically trains locals in the
installation of solar powered materials. With 320 days of sunshine per year,
proper harnessing of Africa’s brightness is helping build an even brighter
future.
source: http://fusion.net/story/149852/akons-solar-energy-initiative-is-his-latest-effort-to-empower-africa/
