Akon coming for show May 23

MANILA, Philippines - Did you know that Akon was the very first international artist who entered the Pinoy Big Brother house?

After his very first concert in Manila in 2007, the R&B/hip-hop singer/songwriter rushed to the country’s hit reality TV show and shared a bit of his precious time to be a celebrity house guest.

Brace yourself once more for Akon’s unique brand of hip-hop as he performs at the Araneta Coliseum on May 23, with Billy Crawford. Aside from unleashing the latest tracks from his Freedom album, he will also be doing his other chart-topping hits like Don’t Matter, Smack That, I Wanna Love You, and Sorry... Blame It On Me.

The son of jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments.

Akon released his Freedom album last December. That latest offering, currently certified gold, spawned three singles: Right Now (Na Na Na), I’m So Paid and Beautiful.

Nicole Scherzinger said that Akon will be the producer for her next album Her Name is Nicole. He was also featured on Gwen Stefani’s latest album The Sweet Escape, where he appeared on the title track and second single. He also co-wrote and produced Leona Lewis’ hit record Forgive Me, off her debut album Spirit.

Akon co-wrote and recorded Put It On My Tab with New Kids on the Block for the group’s 2008 reunion album, The Block. In November 2007, Akon recorded a remix of Wanna Be Startin’ Something with Michael Jackson. In February 2008, the remix was released in the Thriller 25 of Michael Jackson’s The Thriller.

Akon holds the record for most guest performances on American Idol. He once sang The Sweet Escape with Gwen and three weeks later sang Don’t Matter while it was No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

Aside from having his own clothing line, Konvict Clothing, Akon also has his own charity for underprivileged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation.

The Akon Freedom Tour ’09 is produced by ALV Events International, OctoArts Entertainment and Regal Multimedia, Inc.

For details, call 911-5555.