On Saturday, Dec. 15 recording artists Wyclef Jean, Akon and Czar Entertainment CEO Jimmy Rosemond will lend their efforts to the Yele Festival in Port au Prince, Haiti. The Yele Festival or “YeleFest” is a week-long celebration which brings together various members of the arts and entertainment communities to help raise awareness about issues relating to Haiti. The festival is in support of Jean’s non-profit organization the Yele Haiti Foundation, which was established in 2005 with the goal of using music and development to implement programs which improve Haiti’s education, health, environment and community development.
“I will use every influence and power I have to fulfill my role as ambassador to Haiti,” says Jean. “Our good efforts shall touch the world via music and charity.” As Haiti’s Ambassador, Jean hopes to bring awareness to Haiti’s improved safety record, appeal as a tourist destination and debunk what he feels is a myth that the region is responsible for introducing the AIDS virus to America. In addition to the concert, Wyclef and Akon will visit Haiti’s infamous children’s prison, Fort Dimanche. In return for his efforts, Akon requested Jean appear at a separate concert in Senegal in 2008.
“I’ve always been involved in the upliftment of my people, Haitians and Africans are one,” says Akon, who has strong ties to Senegal with his own non-profit organization, the Konfidence Foundation.
Rosemond, whose Czar Entertainment imprint oversees the careers of Brandy and The Game, among others, will be resuming his support for the Yele Haiti Foundation. In 2005 Jean and Rosemond made a similar trip to Haiti’s Citi Soleil.
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“I’m glad to be a part of this great event,” says Rosemond. “Two great artists on one stage in a small island like Haiti will show the world that the country is on course to rebuild its stature in the Caribbean.”
More information on the Yele HaitiFoundation and the Konfidence Foundation is available at their respective websites, www.konfidence.org and www.yele.org.
