JAKE: INTERNET STAR OF THE WEEK

 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would have not come across photos of this adorable little boy making the rounds on the internet this past week.

Four year old Jake (pictured above) went from being a regular kid in Ghana to being an internet sensation over night. His pictures have been used to create about 12 million memes in over 30 countries. Jake has been used for every meme imaginable, from crazy, to funny to downright hilarious. According to a report by www.thisisafrica.me, in a little over a week, Jake has become Africa’s most famous and widely shared meme. This internet sweetheart has gone down in the history of memes as a meme lord

But behind every meme is a story. US based artist Solomon Adufah explained the back story behind the pictures. He took to instagram to express his disgust at how positive images were being used as a source of joke and mockery. He shared that the he took the pictures which have now gone viral, as part of the homeland series outreach programme he held in Ghana.

“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 every day,” Solomon said of Jake.

“I wish the positive aspect of this image would go viral instead of how it’s being portrayed. 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,” he added.

Meanwhile celebrities and well meaning citizens have started a fund me initiative for Jake and his little friends, to assist them with their education.