by Oge Okonkwo

Well, according to a fashion site, FashionGhana.com  and America gossip site, Bossip International music star Akon and Nigeria’s Wizkid were supposed to be in Ghana for a video shoot and as usual needed models for the shoot.

The models were organised by the video shoot directors but the models were reportedly turned away on the instructions of Akon and Wizkid who were said to have specifically asked for light-skinned models.

Read the reports from the site:

Ahead of the upcoming concert that will see the likes of Akon, Wizkid, Sarkodie and more in Ghana, controversy sparks! In a recent video shoot for an up and coming Akon and Wizkid video, some Ghanaian models and girls were called upon to participate by the directors a few days ahead of the shoot. Presumably prior to Akon and Wiz Kids arrival in Ghana.

A model reported on the day of the shoot some girls were turned away as the agent (or the man responsible for calling them) informed them that “they now want half cast girls”. A term used to describe girls with mixed heritage, usually ones with white blood in them.

“THEY”, most likely referring to Wizkid, Akon and/or his music video producer, turning away a fleet of arrivals originally requested to attend by the model scout. In fact, the agent requested if the girls could help him seek light skinned girls because ‘THEY’ were so adamant on this request even on late notice.

Nigeria, where Wizkid is from, and Senegal where Akon is from, are countries both flooded with girls bleaching their skin simply because of such discrimination and being made to feel ugly if dark. Not just in media and modelling, but general favours in life. Whilst there are good people in both countries trying to reverse the self esteem damage of such activities such as Adama Paris who banned skinned bleach models from the Senegalese national fashion week, Akon and Wizkid’s team are trying to further such acts internationally.

We shall be waiting to hear Akon and Wizkid’s side of this story to ascertain if the allegations are actually true. Stay glued.