The Inquirer (Monrovia)
D. Webster Cassell
16 April 2008
Senegalese most famous musical icon Alieu Thiam, alias 'Akon' yesterday stormed the city of Monrovia at which time he identified the need to support and improve the skills and quality of Liberian artists.
Addressing a major press conference upon arrival in Liberia at the offices of Cellcom Liberia, the Senegalese-American star pointed out that having recognized the demand in the quest to improve young African artists in Africa, he would consider extending his musical foundation referred to as "Confidence" to Liberia.
According to 'Akon' the foundation has been established by him to help improve the quality of young African artists and to also expose their talents to the global world. He further said that additional branches have already been established in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Angola amongst others with Liberia being considered as the most recent beneficiary.
He further noted that he would also consider taking one Liberian artist to the U.S. and noted that through that, another will follow as a way of beginning the pace for the improvement and development in the Liberia musical industry.
Akon who was brought to Liberia by Cellcom Liberia acknowledged the fact that Liberians are loving and caring people and admonished them to remain united and focused in shaping the destiny of the country. He claimed that Africa has a lot to offer to the World and that Africa played a more significant role in his success story today.
The Senegalese who was gowned by the Ministry of Information, Cultural & Tourism on behalf of the government of Liberia extended special thanks to the government and people of Liberia for welcoming him to this part of Africa.
He lavished special thanks on the people and the management of Cellcom who made it possible to have him see and come to perform in Liberia, a place he knows had been through years of turmoil.
Following his visit at the head offices of Cellcom on Capitol Bye-Pass, Akon was paraded through the prinvipal streets of Monrovia where dozens of Liberians abandoned their activities to see the 'wonderful Akon' whom people had longed to see.
As part of his visit to Liberia, the Senegalese paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Amb. Joseph Boakai at which time he expressed gratitude for being in Liberia, a visit, which was heartily welcome by Amb. Boakai.
"Akon" also visited the Monrovia Barclay Training Center (MBTC) where he met with some of the newly recruit AFL officers including their training officers.
He said that the level Liberia has reached since after the war demonstrates to him that Liberians can unite for a movement and make Africa better for the whole world.
As part of the occasion, Akon was given a Liberian name 'Slewion' from the Kru vernacular meaning 'God's gift' and was also certificated by the Musician Union of Liberia.
Information Minister, Dr. Lawrence Bropleh said that the gowning of Akon is a true manifestation of how Liberians feel that great icon has impacted on their lives.
He noted that if Akon can do it, Liberia can definitely get on top, and if Liberia can reach, then Africa will indeed benefit.
Dr. Bropleh further said that Akon exemplifies and embodies the presence and the hopes, dreams and aspirations of every African and every Liberian.
Akon finally had a live stage performance last night at the Samuel K. Doe Sports pitch in Paynesville where he demonstrated his musical skills, which thrilled hundreds of Liberians from in and around Africa.
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