Business Mogul and Konvict Records Boss, Akon Stars In Season Finale Of MTV Meets!

Akon met with MTV VJ Vanessa Mdee and five passionate young Africans from all over the continent on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles, California in September 2012. Among those lining up to meet with Akon were Zambian computer science student Catherine Nkonjera (20), Rwandan commerce student Marc Gwamaka (24), 20 year old computer science student Xolani Kunene from Swaziland, Ugandan economics student and music promoter Kenneth Tamali (22) and South African designer Annah Mabasa (26).

Among the topics discussed by Akon and the group are fame, ambition, education, how to find and develop your talent, cultural cross-over and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. Akon also talked about the importance of developing his art, the joy of collaborating with other artists such as Michael Jackson and The Fugees, his role in developing the careers of T-Pain and Lady Gaga and his latest reinvention – as a movie actor.

Like many of the previous panellists in the series, the youth involved in the interview were inspired by their meeting with Akon.

Comments Mark Gwamaka, “The great become great because they keep on learning all the time.”

“He has taught me to put the past behind me and focus and progress,” says Annah Mabasa.

Adds Catherine Nkonjera, “I love the fact that he talked about finding your talent ‘cause even if it’s uncool you just have to do it.”

Akon is one of seven high profile ‘influencers’ to have featured in Season 2 of the youth empowerment series, including South African politician Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Hip-Hop pioneer and entrepreneur, Russell Simmons, South Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Togolese international soccer star Emmanuel Adebayor and Hollywood actor Idris Elba.