Ahead of the upcoming concert that will see the likes of Akon, WizKid,
Sarkodie and more in Ghana, controversy sparks! In a recent video
shoot for an up and coming Akon and WizKid video, some Ghanaian models
and girl were called upon to participate by the directors a few days
ahead of the shoot. Presumably prior to Akon and Wiz Kids arrival in
Ghana.
A model reported on the day of theshoot some girls were turned awayas
the agent (or the man responsible for calling them) informed them that
"they now wanthalf cast girls". A term used to describe girls with
mixed heritage, usually ones with white blood in them.
"THEY", most likely referring to WizKid, Akon and/or his music video
producer, turning away a fleet of arrivals originally requested to
attend by the model scout. In fact, the agent requested if the girls
could help him seek light skinned girls because 'THEY' were so adamant
on this request even on late notice.Nigeria, where WizKid is from, and
Senegal where Akon is from, are countries both flooded with girls
bleaching their skin simply because of such discrimination and being
made to feel ugly if dark.Not just in media and modelling, but general
favours in life.
Whilst there are good people in both countries trying to reverse the
self esteem damage of such activities such as Adama Paris who banned
skinned bleach models from the Senegalese national fashion week, Akon
and Wiz Kid's team are trying to further such acts internationally.If
this is the intentions Akon and the arrogant side kick WizKid wish to
introduce to Ghana, then we willbe more than glad to uninvite them.
Unfortunately for these bigots, Ghana has never been a land where
girls are discriminated for skin tone in any field. In such matters,
it is obvious they will passthe blame onto an employee to maintain
their reputation. But for any such behavior, both these artists should
be boycotted until their position is clarified.
It's a shame that grown men who might be an inspiration to some still
hover the Earth will a very small minded approach when it comes to
reality. It might come across as simply music video request, but it's
a habit existing in our countries born out of colonial rule, that
unfortunately is also birth of skin colour discrimination and self
esteem damage.
Thank God Sarkodie did not sign toAkon's label Konvict. All I can say
is I am looking forward to the departure of Akon and Wizkid from
Ghana. That would be great news. In fact we would be very glad if any
model continues to report any such activities going on in Africa (with
remits) so we can name and shame the real perpetrators behind the skin
bleaching epidemic.
