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Liberia: Akon Thrills Fans At Skd Sports Complex
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The NEWS (Monrovia)
16 April 2008
Posted to the web 16 April 2008
C. Emmanuel Johnson
Monrovia
Senegalese-born international star Aliueane Thiam, Alias Akon, last evening thrilled thousands of fans at the Samuel K. Doe Sports complex where he starred in a musical concert organized by Cellcom Communication Corporation.
The international star arrived in Liberia Monday night at the invitation of Cellcom to participate in a musical concert.
On Tuesday, thousand of youth took to the streets to catch a glimpse of the acclaimed Senegalese singer wherever his convey passed.
During his arrival ceremony, Akon was honored and awarded several certificates for upholding African dignity in the musical arena.
The ECOWAS Citizens Union honored him as Youth Ambassador for ECOWAS, while the Musician Union of Liberia also honored him in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the African cultural heritage.
In separate remarks, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Citizen Union, Ennis Cooper praised the African-born star for his outstanding contribution to the world music industry and called on Liberian youth to emulate his example by remembering their roots whenever they ascend nobility.
Additionally, Information Minister Dr. Lawrence Bropleh gowned Akon on behalf of the Liberian government, and gave him the traditional name "Slewion" meaning "God Gift" in the Kru vernacular.
Responding, Akon thanked Cellcom and Liberians for the high level of hospitality accorded him since his arrival.
He also expressed appreciation for the honors bestowed upon him, saying "this is an indication of the true love that Liberians" have for him.
He then called on Liberians to be united in order to sustain pace and stability in the country.
Meanwhile, at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) yesterday, thousands of Liberians galled the stadium where another musical concert was held.
The musical concert, organized by the Crusaders for Peace was sponsored by the UNDP and other partners including Lonestar Communication Corporation.
The concert was intended to spread anti-small arms messages, advocate against sexual based violence, rape and HIV/AIDS control in the society.
Yesterday's event at the ATS was held simultaneously across the country with similar messages reaching out to the people.
During the program, a renowned Liberian woman and eminent person, Madam Mary Brownell was honored for her contribution to society over the years.
Ma-Mary, as she is popularly called, was given rising welcome as she entered the stadium amidst applauds and cheers from the crowd.
Madam Brownell told the huge gathering that it was wrong for men to rape girls who could be considered their own daughters. She said every Liberian must stand up against this societal ill.
Touching on small-arms, Madam Brownell said small arms have been responsible for the loss of lives of tens of thousands of Liberians and foreign nationals during the 14 years of Liberian civil war.
She called on Liberians regardless of status in society to join the campaign against small-arms, HIV/AIDS, sexual violence against women, among others.
A seven-year old Joyce Bono, who read a statement from the children of Liberia, called on male adults to stop raping under-aged children. She said it is wrong to rape young girls who are still in school.
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The musical show at the ATS was explosive as Liberian gospel artist Ophelia Dawolo thrilled the stadium with her number #1 song, "Jesus will do it for me". "Zarway The Elder" and other artists kept the crowd on their feet until the show ran into extra time.
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