Alicia Keys has praised Madonna and Angelina Jolie for adopting African children and for ploughing thousands of dollars back into poor African communities.

The 25-year-old singer says criticism of A-list celebrities who are turning their attention to help Africa is “unfair and a disservice to those who need their help.”

She said: “I think it’s horrible, and I think it really degrades and tries to discourage people who do have a voice, who do have power, who do have money, who have the ability to reach out to people and get involved in situations.”

Keys has been involved in African causes for years and says some celebrities have been at the helm of humanitarian causes in support of Africa.

But the motivation of celebrity couples who adopt from abroad has been unfairly called into question by the press, she said.

Last year Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt adopted an Ethiopian girl, Zahara, and then had their own biological child in Namibia earlier this year. The mainstream media’s response has been mostly negative and suggested that their motivation has been self-publicity, said Keys.

A similar debate was ignited earlier this year when fame-hungry pop star Madonna appeared to flout local African laws to rush through an adoption for a one-year-old Malawian boy, David Banda.

In October Madonna managed to whip-up a furore over the issue of international adoptions, prompting media pundits to criticise the apparent new trend.

But Maxine Caswell, a spokesperson for OASIS (Overseas Adoption Support and Information Service), branded celebrity adoptions as far from a normal adoption experience.

“It’s made to look as though you can swoop into a country and take any child. The process is actually extremely long and vigorous,” she said.

But Keys believes that Jolie, Pitt and Madonna are simply following in the footsteps of more seasoned Hollywood stars, like actress Mia Farrow, a mother of 14 children, who first adopted a child in 1973.
Source: voice-online

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3 Responses to “Alicia Keys: Africa Can Benifit from Celeb Adoptions”

1. Tambo Says:
   December 8th, 2006 at 5:40 pm

   I believe and commend Madonna’s Adoption of the African kid.The gesture was very sincere and may the Lord bless her.Keys involvement in Africa and to champion the fight agaisnt Aids touched my heart,and i give thanks for your vision and energy to help these poor victims,in ma home country Kenya.

2. tina tunah Says:
   January 9th, 2007 at 2:18 am

   Alicia keep your mouth shut on things that you have little chance of comprehending. Madonna’s adoption was possibly illegal, and should therefore be null and void. Your iq leaves a lot to be desired.

3. Ron Says:
   February 3rd, 2007 at 3:05 am

   Alicia’s right, as always. Why criticize a good deed? Now, if Britney were the adoptive mom, there might be cause for concern. The kid might grow up not knowing what underpants are for.

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