Ivorian musician A’salfo to become UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

A celebrated Ivorian musician, A’salfo, is to become a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his promotion of youth empowerment and social justice, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced today.

UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova will designate A’salfo as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador at a special nomination ceremony at the Organization’s Paris headquarters on 6 September to coincide with the 2012 celebration of International Literacy Day.

“A’salfo not only advocates for inclusion, social justice, and empowerment of youth in Africa, but also connects with and mobilizes young people themselves,” UNESCO stated in a news release announcing the appointment.

“His music helps young people become agents of peace and a driving force for sustainable development,” it added.

A native of Abidjan, in Côte d’Ivoire, A’salfo is lead singer of the group Magic System and is a singer of Zouglou, a popular form of dance music depicting the concerns and events of Ivorian society. Born in 1979, he has been a member of Magic System since the 1990s and is now the group’s lead singer and songwriter.

His work as a musician has also prompted him to spearhead the three-day Festival of Anoumbo Urban Music – Côte d’Ivoire’s first international music festival.