Akon Reflects on 20 Years of Music, His New Anthem “Beautiful Day,” and the Global Movement He’s Building Through Music and Philanthropy.

November 6th, 2024

Akon has returned to the music scene with a bang. After nearly a decade of silence, his latest single, “Beautiful Day,” has been described as the anthem the world needs right now. But this return is far more than just about new music—it’s about reinvigorating the positive, unifying energy that Akon has always infused into his career.

In a candid conversation, the music mogul shares insights into his creative process, the inspiration behind his new work, and how his journey in music has evolved into a global mission of philanthropy and empowerment.

It’s been ten years since Akon released new music, but the gap wasn’t a sign of burnout. Instead, it was a period of growth, during which Akon channeled his energy into business and philanthropy, particularly in Africa. “For a while, I was demotivated by music,” he admits. “I was so focused on giving back, on business ventures, and on real estate, especially in Africa. But when I came back to the States, I realized I missed something—I missed making music.”

This realization led to “Beautiful Day,” a song that is already striking a chord with listeners around the world. “When I came back, I couldn’t find anything on the radio that inspired me. The music out there felt so low-vibrational,” Akon reflects. “I wanted to create something that brought positivity back to the industry.”

The song has quickly been described as an anthem of hope and gratitude, and for good reason. Akon’s mission with this track is clear: to remind people to appreciate the blessings they have, no matter how small. He reflects on his childhood experiences in Africa, where luxuries like running water and electricity weren’t guaranteed. “In America, we take so much for granted. I remember walking miles just to get water from a well. Now I can just turn on the faucet and drink clean water. But people here forget that this is a blessing.”

Akon’s perspective comes from deep personal experience. “No matter how bad you think you have it, someone out there has it worse. Life is fragile, and we often forget to appreciate what we have until it’s too late.”

The song’s message of gratitude and mindfulness couldn’t have come at a more critical time, and it has resonated widely. In fact, the track went viral on TikTok after a clip featuring Jermaine Edwards—an artist who first performed the song in a classroom—was shared online. Akon recounts the moment with a smile, “It was one of my old demos from 2012, and then it came back around full circle. It felt like it was meant to be.”

“Beautiful Day” is a departure from what we might expect from Akon musically, featuring an acoustic guitar, a children’s choir, and an overall feel that sets it apart from much of today’s mainstream music. Akon explains that his goal was to create a global record, one that could unite people from all walks of life. “I wanted to make a song for all ages, all genders, and all cultures,” he says. “This is a topic everyone can relate to, and I wanted the sound to reflect that universal feeling of hope.”

In addition to its musical elements, Akon has been leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI, to help produce his music. He reveals, “The choir in the song? All AI. But it gives the illusion of real children singing. AI is amazing—it broadens your creativity and allows you to produce things in ways that weren’t possible before.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Trouble, Akon’s debut album that catapulted him into stardom. Reflecting on his career, he says, “All you can do is be thankful. I never imagined it would go this far or last this long. I’m just grateful to the fans who have supported me over the years.”

It’s clear that Akon’s legacy isn’t just about his chart-topping hits or his entrepreneurial ventures. His career has become a blueprint for longevity and sustainability in music. “It’s about building something that lasts,” Akon explains. “I always did it from the heart, for the people, and that’s what has kept me relevant for all these years.”

While music remains Akon’s core, it has always served as a vehicle for larger ambitions. In particular, his philanthropic work in Africa has been a driving force behind his career. “Music was the door opener for everything I wanted to accomplish,” Akon says. “It allowed me to help others, to build careers, and to create opportunities for people who didn’t have them.”

This includes his work in energy development with Akon Lighting Africa, a project that has brought electricity to millions across the continent. “It’s all about impact,” he says. “And that’s what drives me. The music gives me the platform to do the work that I do globally.”

Akon’s passion for helping others extends beyond music. He is also involved in a unique documentary partnership with comedian Kevin Hart, which explores the idea of bringing together icons from different generations to share their stories. The first project, featuring Hart and Chris Rock, has already been picked up by Netflix, and a second one—featuring Akon and Afrobeat star Burna Boy—is set to follow.

On top of this, Akon is preparing for a new album, Not Guilty, set to release in February 2025. “Beautiful Day” is the first single from the album, which promises to continue the themes of unity, positivity, and global connection. Akon also confirms that he will be embarking on a U.S. tour, with Florida set to be one of the major stops.

Looking ahead, Akon’s vision remains clear: to use his music and influence to bring people together and create lasting positive change. “Everything I do is about unity, bringing people together, and helping them realize that we’re all in this together,” he says.

For Akon, the journey is just beginning. Whether through his music, his business ventures, or his philanthropic initiatives, Akon is committed to making an impact. And if “Beautiful Day” is any indication, the world is ready to hear what he has next.

Stay tuned for Akon’s upcoming album Not Guilty, set to drop in February 2025, and don’t miss his U.S. tour in the coming months.

Follow Akon Online:

https://akon.com

https://www.instagram.com/akon

https://www.facebook.com/AKON

https://www.tiktok.com/@akon?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/user/AkonVEVO

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0z4gvV4rjIZ9wHck67ucSV

https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/akon/3261325

SUPER FAN TOUR DATES:

November 19, 2024, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mega Star Arena

November 20, 2024, Singapore, Singapore, Expo Hall 7

November 22, 2024, เมืองพัทยา, Thailand, Rolling Loud 2024 Thailand

December 3, 2024, Pasay, Philippines, MOA Arena

December 12, 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, MDLBEAST Soundstorm

December 21, 2024, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Etihad Arena

December 31, 2024, Kabupaten Badung, Indonesia, Atlas Beach Club