March 2024

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Black Entertainment Television International (BET) selected Senegalese-American artist and philanthropist Akon as the 2016 Global Good Award honoree.

Committed to facing the African energy crisis

With this award, BET honors individuals who championed endeavors which positively impact change and heighten awareness in different parts of the world. In the past few years, Akon has been actively committed to providing sustainable solutions to face the energy crisis in Africa. Through his Akon Lighting Africa Initiative, the artist plans to bring electricity to 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project is now active in 16 African countries and has so far provided nearly 35 million Africans with better lighting. The multi-platinum artist has also launched an academy for local entrepreneurs in Bamako, Mali. The Solektra Solar Academy provides training to Africans on how to install and maintain solar technologies.

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Celebrating bright entertainers

The ceremony will also honor world-renowned actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson with the Lifetime Achievement Award and actor and activist Jesse Williams with the Humanitarian Award. BET nominated 8 African musicians for the International Artist of the Year: Africa category (AKA, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Black Coffee, Diamond Platnumz, MzVee, Serge Beynaud, Wizkid and Yemi Alade). Fans can vote for the final winner of the International Artist of the Year: Africa category on the BET website.

SEE ALSO: Akon Explains Why He Doesn’t Believe In Charity Work In Africa Anymore.