Akon 'Freedom Tour' Manila Concert on July 4

MANILA, Philippines – We’ve all heard about the proverbial rags-to-riches story about a young would-be star who follows his dreams despite all odds and ends up on top of the world. Only this particular tale is truly a sign of the times. A virtual unknown just a few years ago, Aliaune Thiam — better known as Akon — has not only become one of today’s hottest producers and music artists, he is also a full-blown digital phenomenon.

Born in America and raised in West Africa, Akon first exploded onto the music scene in 2004 with the debut release Trouble, a collage of smooth West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast grit and Southern beats. Based largely on the strength of singles like Locked Up, the album sold more than three million copies worldwide. But it wasn’t several months before the November 2006 release of his second album, Konvicted, that Akon became the man heard on cell phones around the world.

The next chapter in Akon’s success saga continues with the release of his third solo album, Freedom, which relies on romantic lyrics and European club sounds — a serious stylistic shift for a man whose breakdown single was Locked Up.

“My albums are really soundtracks of my life,” says the superstar. Indeed, following the trail of Trouble, Konvicted and Freedom, it’s pretty obvious how his albums mirror his triumphant turnaround from a troubled past.

Those experiences are what Akon hopes can inspire others. “I’m not saying I’m a role model, but I am proof that your life can change direction,” he says. “For me, it was just about trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be in a position where I didn’t have to think about what I had to do or where my next meal was going to come from. Because after a while when you get used to doing so many crooked things, you just get tired of it and want to get on the straight and narrow.”

Catch Akon at the Big Dime on July 4 as he performs his biggest hits like Right Now (Na Na Na), Beautiful, So Paid, Home Grown, I Wanna Love You, Smack That, Sorry Blame It On Me and Don’t Matter.

Special guest is Billy Crawford.

Akon’s Freedom Tour Manila concert is produced by ALV Events International, Octo Arts Entertainment and Regal Multimedia, Inc.

For details, call TicketNet (911-5555).