John Legend: The Good,The Better, Our Favorite

By: Mbega, Z.A (@Zamaradi_M)

I remember watching BET Awards in 2010 and John Legend received the Humanitarian Award for that year.

Was I surprised? No.

What got my attention was the mention of Tanzania in the presentation BET prepared for that ceremony.

So, being the curious me I googled him and was now very happy to know that he really meant it, the whole humanitarian thing is for real.

In 2007 he shot his music video ‘Show Me’ in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Watch: John Legend - Show me

For those who don’t know, John ‘Legend’ Stephens is 34 years old, a very handsome singer, song writer, pianist, simply put, a very talented musician.

Born John Roger Stephens, he was nicknamed Legend in 2001 when he was only 23!

12 years later as an active artist, John has landed 35 awards nominations, taking home 14 trophies with 9 of them being Grammy. That is legendary.

John is not just talented but an intelligent individual too. He graduated from High school as the second student with the highest GPA among all graduates. Went on to have a degree in English; African American literature.

We are not done yet, May 2012 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in humanities by the Howard University.

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you; Doctor John ‘Legend’ Stephens.

John Legend at Howard University graduation on May 2012. Photo from @JohnLegend

If this was a letter that was just a greeting, now we are on to Dhumuni (the main body).

Unlike many other humanitarians, John has a different idea of helping as he explained in an interview with CNN;

"You can always go in and bring an influx of money and address things temporarily. But if development is not sustainable, then something's wrong. This is about teaching them how to farm better, improving the education system, getting water pumps. The idea is that the community will continue to sustain themselves over time." 

With his Show Me Campaign he ‘adopted’ Mbola village that is found in Tabora, Tanzania.

John has been in and out of Tanzania. He has participated in agriculture, helped to get clean water to thousands, raised funds to provide lunch to school children etc. He has spent time with the people of Mbola so much that in CNN’s 2010 Heroes he named Mama Mwadawa Ruziga as his hero.

  Watch: JL on his hero

"This jam,its the best I ever had"

JL with his hero, Mama Mwadawa.

JL unveils a foundation stone of a new water tank in Mbola, Tanzania. Photo from mtv.com

John Legend with farmers at Mbola. Photo from mtv.com

That’s John ‘Legend’ Stephens. An educated, decorated artist with a golden heart.

If Cambodia made Angelina Jolie an honorary citizen for just adopting Maddox, what should we do for John Legend who has adopted a whole village in our country?

From us at The Equator, Asante Sana John! Wewe ni shujaa wetu.


P.S: John PERSONALLY asked me to share this video. So here it is. You dont believe that he asked me? Well, see for yourself from minute 1:32 when he asks ME to share the video.

Watch the video John Legend asked ME to share with you here...