Akonda

Released in October 2019, Akonda is the second of several genre-specific projects Akon released in quick succession to mark his return to the music industry. While his previous work largely defined the American R&B/Pop landscape of the 2000s, this album sees him fully embracing the Afrobeats movement that was gaining massive global traction at the time. Recorded with a focus on rhythmic complexity and melodic simplicity, the album features collaborations with African artists like Olamide and Kizz Daniel, signaling Akon's commitment to the continent's burgeoning music scene. Critically, it was viewed as a successful pivot that utilized his iconic nasal tenor in a new, more rhythmic context. The album is notable for its short track lengths and high-energy production, positioning Akon not just as a legacy act, but as a contemporary player in the global 'Afropop' explosion.