Akon & Wizkid under fire in Ghana

Ahead of the upcoming concert that will
see the likes of Akon, Wizkid, Sarkodie
and more in Ghana's, controversy sparks!
In a recent video shoot for an up and
coming Akon and Wizkid video, some
Ghanaian models and girls were called
upon to participate by the directors a
few days ahead of the shoot. Presumably
prior to Akon and Wizkid’s arrival in
Ghana.
A model reported on the day of the
shoot some girls were turned away as
the agent (or the man responsible for
calling them) informed them that “they
now want half 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 Wizkid’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 will be 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 pass the
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 to Akon’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.