Alicia Keys is upset with critics who question if celebrities' motives are pure when they try to help African nations overcome debt, AIDS and poverty.

Keys is hosting her annual Black Ball charity concert in New York City on Thursday. She calls the criticism is unfair and a disservice to those in Africa who need help.

"I think that's horrible, and I think that really degrades and tries to discourage people who do have a voice, who do have power, who do have money, who do have the ability to reach out to people and get involved in situations," the 25-year-old R&B singer told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

"I think if you make a choice to do something positive, that shouldn't be diminished. I think that takes away from what's actually going on."

KEYS' CHARITY

Keys is hosting the Black Ball concert with supermodel Iman to benefit Keep a Child Alive, which provides drugs for AIDS and HIV patients. The event will include performances by Keys; Iman's husband, David Bowie; Damian Marley; and Angelique Kidjo.

KEYS TO AFRICA

Keys visited Africa earlier this year. She said the problems that beset some countries can seem insurmountable, but she's seen how charity can save lives.

"That's why when I speak and I use my voice, I like to emphasize the way that everyday people like you and me ... can really be a huge hero," she said. "If you don't do anything else in your life, if you can save one life -- one life? It's amazing. Imagine saving 10 or 20 or 50 or 100."

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More information?

Keep a Child Alive: http://www.keepachildalive.org

Alicia Keys: http://www.aliciakeys.com/host.html

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