Big Shaq comedian Michael Dapaah: 'Young people are the future – I want to help them to thrive'

If there is one thing I have learned through my journey, it is that no one succeeds alone. Behind every piece of Michael Dapaah-aka-Big-Shaq’s ideas, character, music, there is a whole team behind every achievement. There are countless people, lessons and opportunities that help pave the way. I am grateful for where I am today, but I also know that too many talented people never get their shot, not because they lack ability, but because they lack the resources or the right support system. 

That’s why I’m so proud to announce that I will be launching The Dapaah Fund alongside an incredible charity, Wings of Hope. The Wings of Hope Achievement Awards (WOHAA) are a nationally recognised social enterprise programme for young people. As part of the 20th anniversary, I am very proud to announce this fund as an initiative to champion, uplift and support young people to help showcase their skills in the creative arts space. I previously sat on the WOHAA judging panel alongside the great Sir David Jason, a fellow ambassador, and saw first-hand the pipeline of incredible talent out there.

This initiative is also about recognising the incredible work that organisations like Wings of Hope are already doing. They have shown how focused action can change lives. Partnering with them was a natural step because they understand the importance of community-driven support, particularly when it comes to youth empowerment and education. 

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My journey has not always been smooth. I have faced challenges, doubts and setbacks. There were times when I could have given up. However, through it all, I have had support from family, friends and mentors who believed in me and kept me going. I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have this, and that’s one of the reasons I feel a personal connection to this initiative. 

I have been fortunate to have a platform, and with that comes responsibility. It is not just about using my voice to entertain or to build a career. It’s about making sure I give back in a meaningful way and I do my part to help others rise. Growing up, I saw firsthand the effects of limited resources on communities. I saw talent go unrecognised and I’ve seen people’s dreams slip away simply because they did not have the support they needed.

The impact of The Dapaah Fund

The Dapaah Fund is not just about giving money to causes. It is about creating a long-lasting impact and supporting the people and organisations that are truly making a difference. We will be working with a range of causes, from youth development to education and creative industries, focusing on areas that often do not get enough attention. 

A key area we will be supporting is youth empowerment. Young people are the future, and yet so many of them do not have the tools or opportunities to realise their full potential. Whether it’s through mentorship programmes, creative workshops or educational grants, The Dapaah Fund will aim to provide young people with the kind of support they need to succeed. I know how transformative it can be to have someone in your corner, rooting for you and helping you find your way.

So why now?

The world we live in today is full of challenges, as we know! We have seen how inequality, lack of opportunity, and systemic barriers can hold people back. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted this even more, showing how vulnerable certain communities can be when resources are scarce. Now more than ever, we need to come together to create meaningful change.

Anyone that knows me knows that I believe in the power of community. I have seen how people can come together to support one another, and I have seen the strength in collective action. With The Dapaah Fund, I hope to harness that power and ensure we are helping those who need it most. Whether it is through financial support, mentorship or simply being a source of encouragement, we can all do our part to lift each other up.

A call to action

Ultimately, The Dapaah Fund is about hope. It is about hope that we can create a better future for the next generation, hope that we can level the playing field for those who have been left behind, and hope that together, we can make a lasting difference.

If you are reading this and wondering how you can get involved, I encourage you to take action. Whether it is donating to the fund, volunteering your time or simply spreading the word, there is a role for everyone in this mission. The work we are doing through The Dapaah Fund, in partnership with Wings of Hope is just the beginning. 

Go have a look at what I’m talking about at the Wings of Hope website.

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