By Chrysanthus Ikeh
International singer and music producer Akon has just announced that he is the new ambassador of the Airtel TRACE Music Star, which takes place in 13 African countries.
Akon joins Nollywood actor Mike Ezuruonye as co-ambassadors of the telecommunications company.
In a YouTube video released by Akon, he explained why he accepted to become an ambassador for the project saying he doesn’t have a choice but accept because he is a role model who is looked upon by many people.
In his words the singer said, ‘You want to be in a position where you are one of the people they look for to be a part of projects like this, and you know I built my career from giving opportunities to others so this was the perfect match, and I’ve been more of a mentor and producer, and playing the role that I think is necessary to influence other kids to be a part of what we are doing and also be a part of giving other people opportunity.
I think when you get to a certain level, you are a role model whether you like it or not, it’s not choice anymore, it’s the life we chose, it’s what we signed up for. I know some people want to distance themselves from being a role model, but once you become successful, you are a role model it’s not a choice because you become a person of influence and you have to watch whatever you say’.
The Airtel Trace music star is Africa’s first mobile song competition where contestants can win simply by recording their song on the phone without having to stand in big long queues, all the participants has to do is Call, Sing and Win a chance to become the next big music star in their country and possibly across Africa and the world.
The competition would be held across 13 African countries with just one winner emerging.
Each country’s winner will attend a televised Pan-African Grand Final where they will stand a chance to win a trip to the USA to be mentored by Akon and a professional music video and a record deal with Universal music.
