Rap superstar Jay-Z has been honoured in New York for his humanitarian work in Africa.

The "Big Pimpin'" hitmaker attended the United Nations Global Leadership Awards Gala on Wednesday, where he was praised for his efforts to bring clean water to the poor.

Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, recently toured Africa and was delighted to see his plans come to fruition.

He tells People.com, "Many charities, you close your eyes and cross your fingers and hope that the money gets to the people who really deserve it.

"But with this, I got to go to Africa, see the water pumps. I got to see the kids turn them on."