After shooting his video “Wish U Well” with Swae Lee last week, French Montana donated 500 canoes to the community of Makoko in Lagos, which served as the primary location for the visual.
Local craftsmen will build approximately six boats a week and reach the goal of 500 canoes by December through a partnership with SALXCO, Gamma and Swae Lee. The community is regularly endangered by floods.
“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,” said Montana 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.”
Montana previously partnered with Mama Hope and Global Citizen to improve one of their hospitals in Uganda after filming the video for “Unforgettable.”
Last month, French Montana entered a global partnership with gamma, which was announced alongside the release of his single “Good Summer.”
“I have known French for over 10 years, and I am so excited to have him at our company as he is a true multidisciplinary artist in keeping with the gamma multidisciplinary ethos,” said gamma.
Co-founder and CEO Larry Jackson in a press release, “His new documentary is a 10, and his new music is equally awesome! French Montana, in my opinion, is also the best hip-hop A&R of the past decade. His ability to get the best out of his artists and producers alike is truly second to none. He continually mystifies me with how he continues to A&R and produce diamond single after diamond single. He’s a real deal triple threat talent.”