Akon is thankful for life’s ups and downs in his sincere new single and video Akon’s Beautiful Day — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
When an artist has taken his boundless creativity to almost unprecedented heights of commercial success, he’s practically required to share a little sunshine now and then. But in typical overachiever mode, the mutli-platinum phenomenon known as Akon is letting the light in both musically and literally, with a new single that promotes his deep commitment to leaving the world in a happier place than where he found it.
On Akon’s Beautiful Day, the industry titan and perennial boundary breaker offers a monumentally uplifting meditation on gratitude that proves you can be a thankful optimist without being naïve. With almost Zen-like equanimity, our streetwise mentor thanks the Lord above for everything that makes life genuine and complete — the sunshine and the rain, the joy and the pain. Because while it’s easy to dwell on your grief over the homies you’ve lost or bitterly count the enemies you’ve made, he’s decided it’s better just to thank your lucky stars that you’re still in the game — and to resolve to spend each and every day “10 toes down like you’re digging for gold.”
Recorded at Miami’s OG East Studio under the expert guidance of producer J.R. Rotem and co-producer Phillip Phever, the song is more than just an instant pick-me-up with the potential to lift the mood of the playas and the played alike. It’s the flagship anthem of Akon Lighting Africa, the star’s humanitarian passion project that’s bringing solar-powered electricity to the continent. The initiative has thus far touched 14 African countries, making a literal night-and-day difference in the lives of millions. Then again, Akon is no stranger to philanthropy, having previously lent his immense cachet to worthy causes like the fights against child poverty and human trafficking (the latter via a collaboration with composer and activist Peter Buffett), and relief drives for Haitian earthquake victims and those whose lives were upended by COVID.
His most remarkable accomplishments, though, will always be his contributions to the world of music. Since exploding onto the charts with his debut single, 2004’s Locked Up, the Senegal-born, New Jersey-raised artist has sold 35 million albums, logged 45 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, received four diamond retail certifications and been nominated for five Grammys. As heard on game-changing smashes like Lonely and I Wanna Love You (his chart-topping duet with Snoop Dogg), his plaintive melodies and mellifluous vocals have helped him carve out a sound that effortlessly blends pop, R&B, hip-hop and EDM — an eclectic mélange that’s nonetheless instantly recognizable to his massive online following of over 130 million fans.
And if there’s a milestone to be reached, chances are Akon got there first. He was the first artist in history to register 1 billion views on YouTube, and the first to have simultaneously occupied the No. 1 and 2 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 on two separate occasions. Oh, and he also happens to hold the Guinness World Record as the top-selling artist for ringtones.
An inveterate and enthusiastic collaborator, he’s recorded and performed with more than 300 of the industry’s finest, including David Guetta, Gwen Stefani, Lil Wayne, Eminem and the late Michael Jackson (on the King of Pop’s last known recording, Hold My Hand). But his influence doesn’t stop when the headphones come off. As the head of his Konvict entertainment conglomerate, which encompasses both record-label and artist-management imprints, he’s introduced the world to the likes of T-Pain and a spitfire by the name of Lady Gaga — generating over $2.5 billion in revenue in the process. And his entrepreneurship extends to other commercial sectors as well — like his signature apparel line, Konvict Clothing, which features everything from casual urban streetwear to more upscale, high-end fashions.
Now, this multi-talented workaholic is taking his brand on the road. Having just wrapped up a series of shows in the western United States, he’s headed halfway around the world for a run of performances that’ll reinforce how wide-ranging his appeal truly is.
Watch the video for Akon’s Beautiful Day above, hear more from Akon and see his tour dates below, and join him on his website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Nov. 19 | Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nov. 20 | Expo Hall 7, Singapore
Nov. 22 | Rolling Loud 2024, เมืองพัทยา, Thailand
Dec. 3 | MOA Arena, Pasay, Philippines
Dec. 12 | MDLBEAST Soundstorm, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dec. 21 | Eitihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dec. 31 | Atlas Beach Club, Kabupaten Badung, Indonesia
