Akon: An Icon Reborn

I must admit to being a little honored to find myself interviewing a global icon, but here I am on a video call with Akon. Singer, songwriter, producer, businessman, philanthropist and with over 300 song collaborations and 100 songs solo or as lead, one of the most prolific artists of the 21st century.

I start by asking him which way of working he derives most satisfaction from – collaboration or solo work?

Well, I like them both equally because often I have the idea in my head and then when I collaborate with somebody they help to bring it to life. Collaborations make a huge difference especially when you are working with people you want to work with. But for the most part the idea of just going in and recording records has always been my base because I started out as a writer and a producer and then I became an artist and that’s when the collaborations started. 

Akon’s collaborations are immensely diverse in terms of musical genre, audience and reach, and it is clear he likes to work with people he likes. So which collaboration has been the most fun? Not necessarily the most successful, but the most fun? Without hesitation the answer comes.

I would say Michael Jackson for sure without a question. That was a real experience and the most fun. I walked in there with all these expectations and I just found he was the most amazing person I have ever met in my life.

Hold my Hand was probably my favorite song to make. I was able to work with him in the studio, and it was amazing to watch him work, watch him in the booths, his techniques, all the things he was willing to try. There was no ego, he just wanted to try and make it great. And I love working with artists like that.

Akon has played a big part in the success of stars like T-Pain and Lady Gaga. So, what is it that you look for in an artist?

Man, I look for hard workers, they have to be hard workers. An artist who has the talent but doesn’t have the work ethic, you are basically wasting your time with them. Artists who are hungry and want it more than I want it for them.

So, what artists are you currently into, which artists should we all be checking out?

Wow, there are so many I don’t even know where to start. So much is out there, I don’t know how to filter it. And with the Tik Tok records they don’t play long enough to really get into it. All these viral moments that come in and out. But if I had to choose … I like Billie Eilish, I like Kid Laroi.

I have to agree with Akon when he says Billie Eilish’s 2019 album “When we fall asleep, where do we go” is a “real monster of an album.”

And what about new collaborations?

Yeah, I have a girl group called The Simien, and they are unbelievable man. Beautiful writers, producers, they are going to be unbelievable.

Of course, Akon is not all about the music. His philanthropic work, especially in Africa, is an important part of who he is. I’ll admit that it did take me a while to get the word “philanthropy” right, but Akon was kind enough to help me out.

I do believe that when God blesses you, you need to pay that forward. I believe in being used as a vessel to accomplish His goals for humanity in all aspects. We all have the capacity to deliver what God expects of us. I am always asking myself what role I have to play in His missions.

Akon is clearly very reflective on this topic, so I ask what his preference now is:  the music or the philanthropy?

The music and the philanthropy definitely go hand-in-hand. I am lucky to be in a position to give, and I thank God everyday for the ability to help people. So, if I am asked what I enjoy the most, it is definitely on the philanthropy side.

There is a lot of work to do in Africa, delivering electricity to villages, building schools for the kids and massive infrastructure projects. Both outside investment from the west and local investment means a lot of headway is now being made.

But a lot of things on the philanthropy side all stem from music. Music opens the doors for that. And normally when I hit an album cycle or a production cycle for my artists I try not to get involved outside the music. I stay focused on the project until it is done, and then I go back to other things.

I do believe though that one of my purposes is to help develop Africa. I realized that back in 2005. It is not my only purpose, but it is a major one. I know I will play a major role in it.

Akon also provided some real advice to me on my own fundraising efforts: ‘The money is out there. You find the right partners and I promise you, you will make it happen.’ I am beginning to think that I like Akon a lot. He is very kind.

But back to the music. Akon was born in St Louis to Senegalese parents. I asked about how the music of Senegal or Africa more generally influenced his new work?

Oh yeah, it influences it a lot. When you listen to the new album, you will hear a lot of Afro beats in it because that is the energy I have been around these last few years spending all that time in Africa. My albums are always based around my life and what’s happening in my environment so you will hear of a lot of that Influence in the new album.

We move onto the new tour with Ne-Yo. With four straight nights at the London O2 arena, there is clearly a massive audience for the music?

Well, we started out with one night at the O2 and demand was so high that we added another night, then another, then another. We are really excited by the demand that’s out there. We are super stoked about that.

I ask about any smaller venues and how that feels:

It is a great to perform in more intimate venues. Before this tour we did a SuperFan tour with 15 dates in the US and 15 dates in Europe and the max capacity was 5000. And the crazy part is that we never promoted it but the superfans found out and as soon as those tickets went up for sale, within an hour they had all sold out. We do things like that all the time. It’s the best way for those hard-core loyal fans to have that moment where they get that exclusive package where they can watch us perform up close and personal, instead of in these huge arenas where you are so far away from it.

And which songs make the crowd go the most wild?

All of them! All classics! Every record is one that does something to somebody out there. We get reactions every time a song comes on.

My time is up, and I come away thinking that Akon, as well as being a singer, songwriter, producer, businessman and philanthropist, is a really lovely guy. And I tell him that.