Gospel singer Marcos Freire was chosen to be part of Forbes Under 30 for the year 2023. Creator of the NGO Baluarte, Freire is the first gospel artist in history to be included in the list of the North American publication that recognizes the performance of figures below the 30 years old in the most diverse areas around the world.
In a post on his Instagram profile, the singer commented on the achievement and said he dedicated the choice to his more than 700 Baluarte children, in reference to the project he designed and which currently has units in Luanda, Angola; in Campina Grande, Brazil; and in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We were chosen as Highlight of the Year 2023 in the category: Third Sector/Social Entrepreneurship by the renowned “Forbes”, which named me as one of the most talented, innovative and daring young Brazilian influencers in the world under 30, leaving a mark, influencing crowds. Glory to God for all of this”, he wrote.
Created in 2017, Baluarte was created by singer Marcos Freire in partnership with Jonnes Queiroz. The NGO currently serves around 700 children and some families in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Campina Grande, Paraíba. They receive food, school and religious training every day.