Welcome to Alamukii Samir's Blog: Akon & Wizkid under fire in Ghana for requesting light-skinned girls for music video

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 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.