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Renowned rapper French Montana has stepped forward to extend a helping hand to his native land, Morocco, which was significantly affected by a severe earthquake earlier this month. The musician revealed his plans for philanthropy during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), demonstrating that his heart is as large as his talent.
The Announcement
As he took to the stage to present the award for Best R&B, Montana seized the opportunity to shed light on the devastating situation in Morocco and announce his contribution. In collaboration with global humanitarian organizations, Global Citizen and CARE, French Montana pledged to set up an emergency fund to aid the victims of the calamity.
“I want to spread some love and light to Morocco. They’ve been hit with a big earthquake,” Montana expressed. “I’m setting up an emergency fund with Global Citizen and I will be donating myself.” Drawing attention to the plight of his homeland, he pledged a generous donation of $100,000 towards the cause.
The Emergency Fund
The emergency fund is an initiative planned to assist the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, youth, and other disadvantaged demographics. The fund will focus on providing immediate relief in the form of food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
In addition to his monetary contribution, French Montana’s announcement serves to raise awareness about the dire situation in Morocco and encourage others to contribute. He urged people to extend their support by making a donation.
The Impact of the Earthquake
The earthquake, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, wreaked havoc in Morocco. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 2,901 individuals and left over 5,530 injured. Rescue teams from Britain, Spain, and Qatar collaborated with the Moroccan military in search-and-rescue operations. However, as time passes, the chances of finding more survivors are diminishing, as per NBC News.
French Montana: The Man Behind the Music
Born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco, French Montana immigrated to the South Bronx with his family when he was 13 years old. Despite having to face language barriers, as he only spoke Moroccan Darija Arabic and French at the time, he managed to learn English and carve a successful career in the music industry.
His connection to his homeland remains strong, and this isn’t the first time Montana has used his platform for philanthropy. In 2017, he collaborated with Global Citizen for the first time when he traveled to Uganda to film the music video for “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee. Following his visit, he donated $100,000 to the Suubi Health Center and launched the #2BStrong petition with Global Citizen, advocating for universal health coverage within the African Union.
Conclusion
French Montana’s generous gesture is a shining example of the music industry’s potential to effect positive change. His contribution will not only provide immediate relief to those affected but also inspire others to contribute towards the cause. As we continue to follow this story, we hope that Montana’s actions will bring much-needed assistance and hope to the people of Morocco.
