In a compelling interview, Cervon from According 2 Hip-Hop sat down with Akon to delve into his collaborations, philanthropy, and vision for Africa’s future. Akon shared insights into his connection with Eminem, reflecting on the unique way their collaboration came to life through a mutual connection, rapper Obie Trice. Akon described the synergy he found with Eminem, which led to the creation of their song “Smack That.” This partnership reflected Akon’s admiration for Eminem’s artistry, showing how influential peers in Hip-Hop can naturally connect to create groundbreaking work.
Cervon shifted the conversation toward Akon’s impact beyond music, particularly his philanthropic efforts in Africa. Akon explained how music served as a springboard for his vision, providing the resources and platform to amplify his charitable work. Known for his projects to bring electricity and clean water to underdeveloped African regions, Akon sees his purpose as a bridge, using his fame to empower and improve the lives of African communities. The work, he says, has always been in his heart; music simply unlocked the opportunities. Cervon, recognizing the significance, urged Akon to speak further on these efforts, highlighting their importance.
Akon then shared his long-term aspiration to enter African politics. He spoke passionately about the need for honest, selfless leaders in Africa who prioritize the well-being of their communities over personal gain. The music mogul hopes to eventually bring reforms that dismantle corruption, encourage unity, and foster sustainable development.
As the conversation turned toward the sometimes tense relationships between African and African-American communities, Akon emphasized that these issues often stem from misunderstandings and limited education on African culture. He explained how promoting Africa’s vibrant modern life through music and media has begun changing perceptions. “Africa is not just jungles,” he said, describing the luxurious, contemporary lifestyles that exist alongside poverty. Akon views this portrayal as essential, so people worldwide see Africa’s full, dynamic image. With platforms like YouTube and social media, he believes accurate representation can reach far beyond the limits of traditional media.
A Message of Hope in Troubling Times
When asked about the inspiration behind “Beautiful Day,” Akon noted the song’s timely nature. With the world facing social challenges, he wanted to release something uplifting. “I think it was necessary,” Akon explained, citing a lack of positive energy in today’s music. He felt a need to combat the “low frequency” dominating the airwaves and offer a glimmer of optimism. Cervon commended Akon on the song’s video, which captures a multicultural, feel-good vibe through scenes filmed across various locations, including Brazil.
Returning to Music to Restore Balance
Akon’s hiatus from music was not a complete departure but rather a time to refocus. Spending time in Africa, he realized that music was a passion he could never entirely leave behind. “With anything that you love, it’s always going to be that missing piece in your life,” he said. Upon his return to the United States, Akon found himself disheartened by the lack of variety and positive messaging in mainstream music. His new album, Not Guilty, set to release in February, aims to bring back that balance. Akon hopes that by providing a positive alternative, he can inspire others to shift away from the repetitive negativity that he believes plagues today’s music landscape.
Navigating the Social Media Era and Viral Trends
Akon also spoke on adapting to today’s digital-driven music industry. While acknowledging the role of algorithms and marketing strategies, Akon remains a “traditionalist,” emphasizing that genuine music always finds an audience. His approach is straightforward: create good music, release it, and let it find its way. Despite the challenges of adapting to social media, he remains unbothered by the negativity that often accompanies online commentary. Akon shared that he’s mastered the art of focusing only on what he can control, ignoring the noise.
Konvict Culture: More Than Just Music
One of the most intriguing parts of the interview was Akon’s announcement of the evolution from “Konvict Music” to “Konvict Culture.” While Konvict Music established itself as a prominent brand in urban music, Akon realized that his mission extended beyond music alone. Konvict Culture now represents a global movement encompassing film, television, management, marketing, and philanthropy. This rebranding reflects Akon’s commitment to not only entertain but also uplift and create opportunities for African and Black talent globally.
Discovering T-Pain and Lady Gaga
In a trip down memory lane, Cervon asked Akon about his early discoveries of artists like T-Pain and Lady Gaga. Akon recounted how his brother Boo introduced him to T-Pain, who was remixing Akon’s “Locked Up” on local mixtapes in Tallahassee. Akon was immediately impressed by T-Pain’s unique sound, leading to a lasting musical partnership. Akon similarly discovered Lady Gaga through a recommendation from producer RedOne while she was demoing for the Pussycat Dolls. He was struck by her talent and offered her a deal, leading to Gaga’s meteoric rise in the pop world.
Cross-Genre Success and Remaining Fearless
With a career spanning multiple genres and international stardom, Akon has defied being boxed into one label. “When you make good music, it doesn’t matter which genre you’re in,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of fearlessness in his approach to music. Cervon noted how Akon’s fearlessness has allowed him to remain relevant across genres and reach a global audience.
This interview highlights Akon’s evolution as an artist and visionary. From his uplifting new single to the cultural powerhouse Konvict Culture, Akon continues to shape the future of music, always striving to make a difference.
Check the full interview below:
