The BET channel unveiled hip-hop superstar and global humanitarian Akon as the recipient of the 2016 Global Good Award at the BET Awards. The second annual Global Good Award is presented as a part of the BET Awards and honours individuals championing Causes which positively impact change and heighten awareness in different parts of the world.
A Grammy- and BET Award-nominated, two-time multi-platinum musical artist, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Akon holds a place in industry history as one of music’s most influential voices and is this year’s 2016 Global Good Award honouree.
Born in America to Senegalese parents, Akon developed a love for Senegal and deep desire to help the nation’s youth. In 2007, he launched the Konfidence Foundation, dedicated to providing Senegalese youth with educational resources and access to health services. In 2014, Akon co-founded “Akon Lighting Africa“, which currently brings solar-powered electricity to the homes of over 600 million people in more than 11 countries in rural Africa. He also helped launch the Solar Academy in Bamako, Mali, where engineers will be taught how to develop solar power, and has expanded his impact beyond Africa by teaming up with government officials in several Latin American countries, including Brazil, to bring electricity to needy homes.
The Global Good Award will be presented by Eva Marcille and Jidenna as a part of the BET Awards.
Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the BET Awards will include performances by Usher, Future, Bryson Tiller, Alicia Keys and Maxwellwith special performances in honour of the late pop icon Prince by Sheila E.,Janelle Monae, D’Angelo, The Roots and more. The star power continues asGabrielle Union, Nate Parker, DJ Khaled and many others will take the stage as presenters during the 16th anniversary of the annual highly-anticipated televised event.
In other good news, the GRAMMY Museum® and BET are to unveil a brand new exhibit, Sounds of Africa, showcasing and celebrating the unique diversity of African music, and spotlighting African winners and nominees of both the GRAMMY Awards and the BET Awards.
Located on the third floor of the Grammy Museum, the display is an extension of the 16th annual BET Awards and the 2016 BET Experience at L.A. LIVE.
