Morrocan-American rapper French Montana donated 500 canoes to the Makoko stilt community in Nigeria after shooting his Wish You Well music video in the area. Per PEOPLE, the rapper he featured in the track, Rae Sremmurd, also contributed to the donation alongside media company gamma. and management SALXCO.
A press release stated that the Unforgettable rapper and his team carved out the plan to donate the boats to the community with a population of 200,000 after establishing the location usually faces a risk of flooding and a lack of proper sanitation systems.
The rapper, born Karim Kharbouch, reportedly made reference to the community in the song after he gained interest in their energetic culture. He was also piqued by the area’s adversity towards climate change.
Montana’s donation adds up to other charitable endeavors he has taken in Africa. In 2017, he helped provide funds to build a healthcare center in Uganda after shooting a music video in the East African nation. That endeavor made him become Global Citizen’s first-ever rap ambassador.
“I witnessed firsthand how water is both a lifeline and an obstacle in Makoko. These boats are essential tools transporting the residents of Makoko and goods and services,” Montana said in a statement to announce the donation.
“As an immigrant from Morocco, giving back to communities in Africa, the place that raised me is so important. When I was filming, I met local leaders who talked about the daily struggles and aspirations of the wider community. I was moved by their spirit and positivity, which inspired me to get involved and to help impact change,” he added.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Montana’s donation in Uganda came after he got moved while filming the video for his Unforgettable song in the East African nation.
Montana donated $100,000 to the Mama Hope Foundation, an organization in Uganda geared towards improving healthcare. The rapper also convinced rapper and producer Diddy and swooner The Weeknd to match his donation.
Montana commented at an event in January held to honor him, “It feels beautiful to be a child of God, citizen of the world and agent of change. I’m helping the people that need help, you know.”
