Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall has become the latest celebrity to call on politicians to offer aid to Eastern Africa following a life-altering trip to the famine-hit region last month (Oct11).
The dancehall star travelled to the Horn of Africa with officials from the World Vision charity organisation as part of a humanitarian mission, which was documented on film and is airing on TV in Canada throughout this week (begs14Nov11).
Offishall, real name Jason D. Harrow, admits he was so moved by the crisis sweeping through countries like Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania that he has pledged to do all he can to raise awareness.
He tells AllHipHop.com, "This trip changed my life. I saw kids along the Kenya/Somalia border, five years and under, with nothing to eat, no water and not even a place to live."
And World Vision president Dave Toycen is impressed by the star's dedication to the cause.
He says, "I got to know a much different man beyond the rap star. Kardinal cares about kids and wants to help us save the lives of children."
Offishall isn't the only celebrity to draw attention to the cause - rocker Bono and actresses Jessica Alba and Uma Thurman have all called for aid for the troubled region.