Courtesy of SALXCO
French Montana has teamed up with fellow rapper Swae Lee, Canadian record label SALXCO, and media and technology company gamma., to donate 500 canoes to the Makoko community in Lagos, Nigeria.
According to an exclusive press release, the 38-year-old Moroccan native is continuing to prioritize his commitment to supporting “underserved communities in Africa through his music.” The release states that the “No Stylist” rapper announced his donation of 500 wooden canoes to the Makoko community on Thursday.
The community was reportedly built atop “coastal waters in Yaba, Lagos Mainland.” The release adds that Makoko faces “critical flooding threats” regularly, as well as “significant challenges due to pollution and sewage drainage complications.”
Furthermore, the location also served as the site for Montana’s latest music video, “Wish U Well,” featuring Swae Lee.
The donation of 500 canoes will reportedly “boost” the community’s “local economy.” Additionally, it will “support the livelihood” of around 200,000 Makoko community members, as the canoes intend to assist the “flow of goods and services” and transport families and children to schools.
The canoes will also be manufactured locally to further support the local economy.
Furthermore, the project intends to have a production rate of six boats per week “per contractor.” The total amount of boats are expected to be delivered before the Christmas holiday in December.
“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 explained, per the exclusive press release. “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.”
According to the exclusive press release, the initiative mirrors Montana’s gracious contributions to Uganda in 2017. At the time, the rapper reportedly “embarked on a vision” to build the Suubi Health Center. This initiative “opened the door to maternal healthcare for thousands of underserved mothers, women, and children across 55 remote villages.”
Furthermore, Montana’s efforts followed his initial collaboration with Swae Lee on their now RIAA-certified diamond single, “Unforgettable,” as per Variety.
According to the exclusive press release, Montana announced his partnership with gamma. earlier this summer. The company was launched by former Apple executive Larry Jackson in March, per The Shade Room.
Additionally, the “multi-platform, multi-faceted” business will allow artists and brands to join forces with projects in “music, films, merchandise, fashion, web3 and other areas,” as per Variety.
In addition to French Montana, gamma. has reportedly struck partnerships with artists such as Snoop Dogg and Usher.
