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Jake Amo: Ghanaian toddler breaks the internet

Brand South Africa
|
November 3rd, 2016

3 November 2016

During October, various internet photo memes popped up featuring a Ghanaian toddler absorbed in his art work. The boy became a viral sensation across social networks in South Africa, and now the full, inspirational story behind the photo has been revealed.

LETS SUPPORT JAKE: Contribute to his education. Link in my bio to Donate or visit: WWW.GOFUNDME.COM/HOMELANDGHANA The Internet has a way of visually misrepresenting positive images and people often troll shedding negative light on priceless unique moments. In the past several weeks I’ve been receiving emails, texts and tags to speak upon this image which has turned into an Internet meme for people to make jokes off. I wish the positive aspect of this image will go viral instead of how it’s being portrayed as. I understand it’s something I can’t control. I can only continue to positively impact the lives of people with my talent and purpose. Everyone Say Hi to my buddy Jake. This was moments in Ghana during my Art workshop with the kids. Each kid received brand new set of crayons, pencil colors, pencils, toys and other wonderful goodies. The expressions on their faces were heartfelt. People often ask me why and how I’m able to continue helping children through my #HomelandGhana mission. The truth is, it’s never about me. There are 3 things that comes first before my talent. My faith in God, Purpose in Life and the People who inspire my work. To me, my work has no value without these three. I’ve experienced first hand the impact just the little act of kindness can make in the lives of the less privileged. The amount of joy and happiness they have in their heart despite their living conditions speaks volume about their inner beauty. Jake was one of the children I taught in Ghana. He was always gentle and quiet.. Ever present in class and was eager to learn everyday. That’s what I loved about all the children. Their enthusiasm and high spirit was refreshing and encouraged me to continue helping them. shot by: @therealcarloscort #Africa #Ghana #Positivity #viral #inspiration #homelandseriesghana #share #love #peace #impact #philanthropist #artist #meme #SouthAfrica #Kenya #Nigeria #Ghana #Ethiopia #Uganda #Tanzania #homelandAfricaf

A photo posted by SOLOMON ADUFAH (@solomonadufah) on Oct 26, 2016 at 7:02am PDT

According to This is Africa, the original 2015 photo of the boy, Jake Amo, was taken by American photographer Carlos Cortes. Cortes was in the country, following renowned Ghanaian artist Solomon Adufah, who was returning to his home country after growing up in the US.

The two visited a pre-school in the village of Asempanaye, in the Koforidua region, as part of Adufah’s project to promote art classes in Ghanaian schools, where the image of Jake was taken.

Adufah shared one of Cortes’s photos on Instagram in January 2016, to help to promote his project. But it was only in September and October that South African internet users took to remixing the photo into comic memes.

But it’s not all about the laughs. Thanks to the popularity of the meme and the story behind it, people have started to contribute to Adufah’s art initiative, Homeland Ghana, raising more than $4 000 within 48 hours for art education in and art supplies for Ghanaian schools.

Dear Internet, let’s donate to Jake. The kid we have had fun with. Let’s be as enthusiastic about donating. https://t.co/wYdnKnma2s pic.twitter.com/w1i0cWuS6Q

— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) October 27, 2016

While initially surprised and somewhat apprehensive by the popularity of the Jake meme, Adufah told the BBC he was happy that it had inspired the world to find out more about his home country and to contribute to the Homeland Ghana project. He said: “This money could make a huge difference to the kids – this could be something really positive going forward.”

You: But I was here just 30 minutes ago, do you really have to sign me in again?
New Security Guard: pic.twitter.com/E6RzgNUdxd

— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) October 24, 2016

The memes range from tongue-in-cheek observations on local politics and social absurdities to references to other popular culture. Most are light-hearted and respectful of the image of the young Ghanaian boy.

When the teacher asks you to write a list of noisemakers and someone you hate coughs…… pic.twitter.com/0XKdkZQxiQ

— Night King (@Omarvelli) October 23, 2016

Speaking fondly of the time he spent with the children at the school, Adufah recently addressed the online popularity of the photo on his Instagram profile, along with new photo of Jake.

In the post, he writes “everyone say hi to my buddy Jake. These were moments in Ghana during my art workshop with the kids. Each kid received brand new set of crayons, pencil colours, pencils, toys and other wonderful goodies. The expressions on their faces were heartfelt.”

Let’s Support Jake and continue to spread the positivity click the link in my bio or visit: GoFundme.com/homelandghana We can all contribute in this journey. Thanks for all the positivity! #support #viral #positivity #gofundme #homelandAfrica #SouthAfrica #Africa #Ghana ?: @therealcarloscort

A photo posted by SOLOMON ADUFAH (@solomonadufah) on Oct 26, 2016 at 9:24am PDT

Adufah will be returning to Ghana in 2017 with his Homeland Ghana project, where he will continue to work with the children, while providing resources for their art classes. His ultimate goal, he says, is an art school and community centre that will inspire children to follow their artistic dreams.Meanwhile, Jake, who has just turned four, is apparently still unaware of his online fame and is much more interested in continuing with his drawing.

Source: This is Africa

SouthAfrica.info reporter

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