SA: Singer Akon visits Jacob Zuma

  1. Posted on Friday 15 May 2009 - 16:58
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    Joyce J. Wangui, AfricaNews reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
    Senegalese born US rapper Akon is in South Africa and has met President Jacob Zuma. He is also set to launch his clothing label 'Konvict' and shoot a music video later in the week. Akon arrived Thursday with an entourage of six smartly dressed people and immediately requested to meet the President.
    akon
    “It had been my desire to meet South Africa’s No1 citizen, the President of the Republic, Jacob Zuma,” said Akon adding that he wanted to meet him to ‘formally introduce myself’ as an African artist with the same voice that he (Zuma) has.”

    He added: “I also came here to congratulate the President, following his inauguration last weekend.”

    The rapper jetted in South Africa in style. He was dressed in a shiny grey suit with matching tie, white shirt and smart black shoes. He was chauffeured to the President’s home in Forest Town in a black BMW X5. He used the occasion to sing for the President.

    Zuma, known for dancing his trademark ‘Umshiniwami’ caused laughter when he said that, “it’s a pity that he couldn’t teach me any singing because I can sing on my own.’

    The meeting between President Zuma and the US music icon was meant to be a courtesy call and the two were delighted. The President said: “This was a courtesy call, which I appreciate. I am very happy that my big brother came to say hello, and I appreciate that he is going to Angola after this, which is wonderful.”

    Akon echoed Zuma’s words saying that he was equally delighted to meet the President. “I am very honoured to meet the man, as I just came to say hello. Entertainment and politics go hand in hand. They can both reach out and influence a lot of people.”

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