After filming the music video for his single “Wish U Well” among the Makoko people, French Montana donated 500 canoes to the community who live in structures built on stilts off the coast of Lagos.
“I was moved by their spirit and positivity, which inspired me to get involved and to help impact change,” the rapper said.
Through a partnership with SALXCO, local craftsmen will build approximately six boats a week with the goal of reaching 500 canoes by 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 said in a statement. “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.”
The star is no stranger to the streets as he once shared with PEOPLE magazine.
“The greatness starts after your comfort zone,” Montana said. “I knew that everything I was going to do was going to be out of the ordinary and I would have to sacrifice to get where I needed to go. Sacrificing was me being in the streets because I hated to see my mother working 12 hours for $100.”
