Somali-Canadian activist Elman, SA’s Yvonne Chaka Chaka to be honoured at the 2017 BET Awards
South African songstress Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Somali-Canadian social activist Ilwad Elman are set to be honored at the 2017 BET Awards later on this month for their efforts to positively impact change and heighten awareness in different parts of the world.
Yvonne and Elman will receive the 2017 BET International Global Good Star and Power Awards in a broadcast that marks 17 years of unexpected performances, trailblazing moments, super dope talent, and entertainment’s most provocative players.
“Outside of her musical career, Yvonne is a champion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the United Nations MDG Envoy for Africa; and the Goodwill Ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. She was chosen by Nelson Mandela as the first ambassador for his children’s fund, and has established her own charity, the Princess of Africa Foundation, which is a member of the ACTION global health advocacy partnership,” BET Africa said in its announcement.
“I love BET, I watch their channels but I always thought it was more for the young people. So when I was told that I am nominated, I was deeply humbled because they are recognising me for respecting my talent and the responsibility it comes with it,” Yvonne said.
A very big thank you to @BET for the Global Good Power Honor. Now is the time for Africa 🙂 #BETAwards17 pic.twitter.com/mwrL5NKBB9
— Yvonne Chaka Chaka (@YvonneChakaX2) June 6, 2017
Yvonne also known as the “Princess of Africa” is a renowned songwriter, entrepreneur, humanitarian and teacher. She champions for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and is UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador. She is also the United Nations MDG Envoy for Africa and the Goodwill Ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
The “Umqombothi” hit maker was chosen by South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela as the first ambassador for his children’s fund, and has established her own charity, the Princess of Africa Foundation, which is a member of the ACTION global health advocacy partnership.
She became the first African woman in 2012 to receive the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award.
ANNOUNCEMENT! This year we have two @BET_Intl #GlobalGood honourees! The first is social activist @IlwadElman! pic.twitter.com/f3YRySKTvr
— BET UK 🇬🇧 (@BET_UK) June 6, 2017
Elman through her Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre located in the Somali capital of Mogadishu helps to run Sister Somalia, the country’s first program providing counseling, health and housing support to victims of gender-based violence.
Her efforts have helped to raise awareness locally on the issue and encouraged governmental policy changes.
Ilwad’s work promoting gender equality has also brought her to the Kofi Annan Foundation’s Extremely Together initiative, which focuses on countering and preventing violent extremism.
The 2017 BET Awards will take place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on June 25, and will be aired two days later on June 27.
