London, Mar 27 : R&B singer Akon debuted a song at the United Nations in New York to commemorate the victims of the slave trade, past and present.

He launched "Blood Into Gold" on Wednesday - the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery.

"I will do my part to spread the word - a lot of my US friends are not aware of the history [of slavery]," The BBC quoted him, as saying.

Akon, real name Aliaune Thiam, was born in St Louis, Missouri, but spent much of his youth living in Senegal.

"[Slavery] is a big situation for us - the younger generation," he told the BBC''s Network Africa programme.

"It''s very important for me because it was the slaves that opened the door for me personally. Seeing how far we''ve come, I''m honoured to be a part of it and I will do my part to spread that word.

"As people, we should stop using each other for money purposes," he added.

On "Blood Into Gold" he collaborates with Emmy-award winning musician Peter Buffett.

The single's proceeds will go to an organisation whose purpose is to educate and bring an end to human trafficking worldwide. (ANI)