Review: Akon's high-energy Abu Dhabi show blends nostalgia and new tracks

The Senegalese-American singer performed some of his biggest career hits while also mixing in newer tracks

Senegalese-American singer Akon has seen a career resurgence among younger fans. AFP

Akon’s music career has spanned about three decades, but there was a time when he took a hiatus and stepped away from making music to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures.

In October, however, he returned with a new single, Akon’s Beautiful Day, which was followed by a global tour to reintroduce himself to long-time fans while drawing in new ones.

“The energy right here is what led me to come back to the music business,” the Senegalese-American singer and rapper told the hyped-up crowd at Etihad Arena during his concert on Saturday night as part of season three of the World Tennis League.

“The younger generation thought I was a new artist,” he joked, before explaining that he takes it as a compliment because it means his music transcends generations.

This was evident by the turnout at Etihad Arena, with many younger fans in attendance with groups of friends and older fans alongside partners and significant others, showcasing how enduring Akon’s music has become.

Akon performed some of his biggest hits at Etihad Arena. Photo: Evelyn Lau / The National

Even at 51, the Lonely hitmaker can still easily deliver a high-energy, crowd-pleasing performance. He took the stage for about an hour and a half with a setlist filled with fan favourites, while also previewing a couple of new tracks from his coming album, due to be released in February.

Looking suave in an all-white ensemble, which included a sleek, white trench coat over a fitted white outfit and a pair of sunglasses, Akon opened his show with his new single backed by a live band as a screen behind him played videos and graphics.

He then proceeded to go on a nostalgic journey through some of his biggest hits such as Smack That, Work Hard, Play Hard and Right Now (Na Na Na), which had the crowds up on their feet dancing most of the night. The only downside was the songs were shortened versions; however, this allowed the singer to seamlessly transition from one track to another.

Akon also impressively engaged with the audience throughout his performance, often asking if Abu Dhabi was ready to party before hyping up the Etihad Arena crowd ahead of his next song. At one point, he even brought out a special guest, Amirror, who collaborated with Akon on 2023’s Far Away, to join him on stage.

The high energy continued throughout the evening as the star performed songs he collaborated on such as Gwen Stefani’s Sweet Escape and Don Omar’s Danza Kuduro. Everyone was dancing and singing along as coloured lights and smoke effects from the stage amplified the party atmosphere.

As the night wore on, it was clear that Akon wanted to keep the party going and even at one point stood along the barriers in front of fans and took selfies and videos using the phones they held up to him while he sang his tracks.

He finished the show with his song Freedom, from his 2008 album of the same name, which speaks to themes of liberation and resilience. “Thank you Abu Dhabi, I love you all,” he said as he finished his performance, bowing and walking off stage. Based on the crowd's reaction, it was clear they loved him right back.