The hip-hop artist was recognized for making healthcare and education accessible in Uganda with recent fundraising efforts.
Karim Kharbouch, also known as French Montana, was born and raised in Morocco and came to the U.S. when he was 13. He is a rapper, songwriter, and singer and has been in the music industry since 2007. Montana recently became an RIAA-certified diamond artist for his hit single “Unforgettable,” selling 10 million units. He’s the first Africa-born recording artist to reach diamond status, and the first male artist from the South Bronx to obtain a diamond plaque. Now he’s giving back in a major way, and his good deeds haven’t gone unnoticed.
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The 2022 Pencils of Promise Gala honored the Grammy-nominated artist with the Innovator Award for his humanitarian efforts of raising money for Africa. He has helped raise a total of $226 million that will be used for healthcare and education in Uganda. He is also supporting the Budondo Suubi “Hope” Health Center, a Moroccan healthcare resource for expecting mothers and newborns.
Montana shared a few words with TMZ Hip Hop, saying, “PoP is doing groundbreaking work globally to keep kids in school and make sure they have a safe environment to learn. This reminds me of my humble beginnings growing up in Morocco when I didn’t know how to speak English. Education was fundamental to my journey immigrating to the U.S. and starting my career as an artist, which is why this work is so important to our youth.”
Montana took to Instagram to share his most recent feat. The artist is still making hits with a newly released single, Fenty, and he plans to further his humanitarian work through his partnership with Guardian Recovery Group to form NAQI Healthcare.
The partnership aims to provide privacy-sensitive clients access to in-home detox services. NAQI will start in Florida, New York, and California with hopes to expand nationwide. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to MusiCares, a charity that offers health, finance, and rehab resources to musicians.
Congratulations, French Montana!
Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images