Young Futurists 2012: Michael Odokara-Okigbo
In addition to his singing talents, Michael Odokara-Okigbo has a giving heart.
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Favorite quote: "You've got to learn your instrument. Then you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail." --Charlie Parker



Anyone who watched the first season of NBC's talent show The Sing-Off may recognize Michael as a member of the Dartmouth Aires, the group that placed second. But while Michael hopes to pursue music professionally, he has devoted much of the past eight years helping kids who are less fortunate. Michael is the founder of the Mugadi Foundation, a charity that helps educate girls in Nigeria and South Asia. He founded Mugadi (which means "I will live" in the Igbo language of Nigeria) at age 14 before accompanying his mother on a trip to the African nation.