Posted by By TOSIN AJIRIRE on
Multitalented newcomer, Akon is a survivalist. His dynamic debut album, 'Trouble", a collection of stirring songs, creatively reflects the ups and downs of the singer/songwriter/producer's life experiences.
Multitalented newcomer, Akon is a survivalist. His dynamic debut album, 'Trouble", a collection of stirring songs, creatively reflects the ups and downs of the singer/songwriter/producer's life experiences.
A crafty blend of soulful hiphop, 'Trouble" is Akon's vibrant first time tourdeforce. He says: "Trouble evolved from the struggles I went through and what I did and am still doing to correct those things."
Akon's fair share of adolescent problems with both the legal and school system is reflected in his redemption song, "Trouble Nobody". He explains thus: "I've got a habit of writing about everything I go through and this album gives a glimpse of where I am now."
A Senegalese, Akon moved to the United States at the age of seven. His family is headed by legendary percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam, whose expertise for playing the Djembe, a traditional African drum, has been touted as "unrivaled."
It was Akon's deep-rooted love and passion for music, evolving from filial admiration, which allowed him to turn his life around, despite his trouble as a youth residing in New Jersey.
The artiste began playing several different percussion instruments and eventually embraced hiphop music and culture, despite his initial disdain for the genre.
He recalls: "When I first heard hiphop, I thought it was rubbish because I didn't understand the concept of people talking over music. But as I started growing up, living a little and listening to the lyrics, I realized that I was going through a lot of stuff these rappers were talking about and I could relate."
Once hip-hop took over his life, Akon's musical development exploded and he began channeling his energy into writing and producing his own music. Songs like "Show Out" tell how much hip-hop has influenced him.
Over the sparsely yet hard-hitting groove, "Don't tempt me/'Cuz I'm close to the edge/I'm trying not to lose my head," rings the lyrics that cleverly integrate original school anthems. At the same time, the song pays homage to hip-hop pioneers while maintaining its own identity.
Meanwhile, Akon's first single, "Bananza (Belly Dance)" exhibits another side of the artiste. On this song, he puts forth a feel good vibe. Singing over a seductive and sensual beat, "Bananza (Belly Dance)," one of Akon's most irresistible tracks, integrates a unique up tempo dance beat with a distinct wind instrumentation floating in the background, guaranteed to improve every listener's mood.
The reason for this, Akon says: "There are a lot of negative things going on today. We need to party and just have fun; Bananza... is a party record. You just go in the club, party and enjoy those beautiful women."
However, life does not solely revolve around beautiful women and leisure time and Akon is well aware of this. On the somber, soulful "Ghetto" and the meditative, impressive "Journey," Akon gives listeners an in-depth look into a harsher world, one that is just as gripping as it is chilling.
Akon's personal appeal and ability to reach a listener is a part of his whole package that includes, most importantly, his distinctive vocals and a relaxed singing style. It is as though he is speaking to you in a very intimate manner: "When I sing, the sound comes from the mood that I am in. These records are coming straight from the heart."
Akon would be touring Nigeria in July. He would storm the Oceanview Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos on July 8 and hit the Shell Camp, Port Harcourt on July 9.
Says Solomon Arueya MD/CEO Westside Music: 'Akon is looking forward to a wonderful time and the great Nigerian hospitality he has heard so much about."