Senegalese-born singer Akon, fresh from his stint at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco has just launched the second phase of his Akon Light Africa project, which is his own initiative to power his country's streets and homes with solar lighting.
“Solar energy, I feel, is the solution to Africa’s energy crisis because we are blessed with so much of it – it is one of our main resources. Also, by focusing on solar energy, we get to avoid any of the politics of the energy business,” he told The National. “I just feel that anyone who achieved some success should help in their own way. Not many of us are in that position to influence others, and if you are, then you are touched by God. Everybody has choices and I decided that if I was going to make money, then I would do it by helping other people.”
This win-win approach has stood him in good stead. From signing a joint deal with Lady Gaga to his record label Kon Live Entertainment to drafting in the Moroccan-born Nadir Khayat aka RedOne on to Gaga's 2008 album The Fame, Akon's collaborations have led to hits around the world such as 'Sexy Chick' with David Guetta, 'Like Money' , Bollywood hit 'Chammak Challo' with Vishal & Shekhar, 'Yalli Naseeni' with Lebanese singer Melissa, and of course Egyptian star Tamer Hosny featured him on last year’s dance hit 'Welcome To The Life'.
Despite some hiccups in the filming of a video with Pitbull, Akon plans more collaboration with Hosny. “We connected in Atlanta where he was in town shooting a video and from the moment we met we felt like we knew each other for years,” he told The National. “Our collaboration was amazing and we have a new record coming out soon for Tamer’s next movie. I also plan to produce more records with him for sure.”
Another long-lasting partnership is the one between Akon and his UAE fans. He has visited four times in 12 months for events ranging from club performances to VIP appearance alongside the Kardashians at the opening of the Clé Dubai restaurant.
“Oh man, I love the UAE,” he says.
“I love going back there and will keep going back until they give me a free pad. I am still waiting for one.”
