Akon Launches Anti-Slavery Song
By The BBC
He debuted “Blood Into Gold” at the United Nations, New York, on Wednesday – the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery.
“I will do my part to spread the word – a lot of my US friends are not aware of the history [of slavery],” he said.
Akon, real name Aliaune Thiam, was born in St Louis, Missouri, but spent much of his youth living in Senegal.
“[Slavery] is a big situation for us – the younger generation,” he told the BBC’s Network Africa programme.
“It’s very important for me because it was the slaves that opened the door for me personally.
“Seeing how far we’ve come, I’m honoured to be a part of it and I will do my part to spread that word.
“As people, we should stop using each other for money purposes.”
History lesson
Akon, the son of famous Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam, shot to fame in 2004 with the release of his solo debut album, Trouble, which spawned the hit single “Locked Up”.
He was the first solo artist to accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, twice.
Continue Reading On The BBC
Learn More About Slavery At Abolish Slavery Coalition
Find out about how Aaron Cohen is fighting slavery today.
Photo: DjSemtex/Flickr
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Related causes: Human Rights
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