How AKON Found His Life's PURPOSE In Africa | Exclusive Interview

Timecodes - 0:00 - Akon Interview
2:00 - moments that surprise Akon
3:00 - Akon reflects on his early music “Operations of Nature”
4:00 - when music became a reality for Akon
5:00 - Akon talks about Mr. Lonely and being a “hard&B artist
6:00 - Akon wanted to be as far away from the streets as possible
6:30 - Akon talks about what his old ringtone was
7:00 - Akon wanting to step outside of his genre with David Guetta
9:00 - Akon on building the Afrobeats scene
9:00 - Akon talks about why he stood next to Tekashi 6ix9ine, and wanting to be his mentor and references the YSL case with snitching
11:00 - how Akon keeps his circle clean and talks about peer pressure
13:00 - Akon talks about never drinking and smoking
14:00 - Akon reflects on Michael Jackson friendship
15:00 - Akon talks about Michael Jackson’s idea to build music schools all throughout Africa
16:00 - What inspired Akon to create “Akon City”
17:00 - Akon wanting to bring the world cup to Senegal
18:30 - Akon talks about finding his purpose
24:00 - Akon talks about the criticism of his city taking so long
25:00 - Akon explains his role with cryptocurrency in Africa
28:00 - Akon talks about Wakanda inspiring Akon City
29:00 - Akon talks about full circle moment and wanting to bring power and knowledge to Africa
30:00 - Akon talks about Billionaires in Africa
31:00 - why Akon doesn’t care about credit
32:00 - Akon talks about what makes a star to him
33:00 - Akon says Master P’s work ethic makes up for any lack of rapping skills
34:00 - Akon almost had beef with 50 Cent
37:00 - Akon recalls asking 50 Cent if it was cool to drop song with The Game
38:00 - Akon talks about going to Middle school with Nelly in St. Louis & almost forming a supergroup with Pharrell & T-Pain
39:00 - what happened to Akon’s collab project with Jeezy
41:00 - Akon talks about new music with Tee Mannie
42:00 - Akon breaks down the music industry “the artist is the last to get paid’ and gives advice to upcoming artists
47:00 - Akon jokes about how good Drake is
Akon describes how the music business really works for artists with streaming services.
Research & Interview Conducted By: Jeremy Hecht (@jeremy_hecht )
Video Edit By: Sage Velastegui
/ sage.ve
Shot By: Jordan Saint-Pierre
/ jordansaintpierre
Artist Relations: Elise Ricks
/ elise.0604
Executive Producer: Sharath Cherian
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#akon #hiphopdx #africa
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[@hiphopdx]

What's your favorite Akon moment?

[@jeremiahmosely3102]

My favorite akon moment is on vladtv when he was talking about the billion dollar Chinese credit he got loaned and and breakfast club interview about selling his diamond mine

[@sko123ableify]

Tell akon to you tube “sko123able” hes trying to sign with kon🙏🏽

[@nmo9584]

This man helped install solar panels across several villages in West Africa, including in my country Mali. Those extremely remote places now have access to electricity, whereas corrupt governments are unable/unwilling to tend to the needs of their populations. I was always a fan of his music, but this made me see Akon in a way bigger light than just entertainment.

[@DONPrince7]

This is the true African story...That's why Akon my biggest inspiration.

[@luxuryhub1323]

This guy is staying lowkey, but he is making huge progress!

[@judeeze2575]

That "jail door slamming shot" sound with tha word " Konvict " is forever gold. Gets me all the time

[@jeremiahmosely3102]

Truely a humble man and legend from the streets to prison to icon to the world and helping other people around the world. He has my up most respect and blessings.. from Jay mosely dallas tx

[@kenterminateddq5311]

Akon can have 100 number one hit songs and can get credit for discovering Lady Gaga. However, THIS is the biggest accomplishment of Akon's career and in life.

[@briccs3830]

Facts! I wish this culture celebrated And championed akon more

[@suthurnfaze1]

Yo! that's Super Facts, this is one of best and most real interviews I've ever seen him do, big ups to this Icon, his story is already in the History books✊🏾✊🏾

[@jeremyhecht]

This was one of my favorite interviews in a while. Akon things about his life from a big picture perspective and you can tell that he truly wants to bring meaningful change to the world 🙏🏻

[@YZMajor]

My Respect to Akon. It's one thing to talk about it, it's something else entirely to be committed and do something about it. Simple as it is, I contemplated on it when I did my time. Came out, composed myself and set out on a path to do what I can, every time I can to help out my community and elevate my people. Changed my outlook on life. I can't feel more fulfilled. While I'm not entirely selfless and all I got right now is my music, I take action, help out, contribute. I encourage everyone to do the same for their communities.

[@fatted3004]

1. Family FIRST 2. Be Innovative 3. No Drugs 4. Children are the FUTURE 5. Accept responsibility! 6. Find PURPOSE!!! 7. From humble beginnings

[@eliekabasha1645]

One of the people I looked up to and still is 💯

[@stylebybbm6759]

Great interview! If only we as Africans can have this mindset we wouldn't depend on the west & far east for everything!

[@KevoMazziwa]

From an african to another...this brother is selfless..positive and very Wise...proud of my brother Akon.and all the good work that he doing inspiring africans

[@keytoriasims5167]

Akon a real one!🙏🏾

[@TakeATrip.]

High key progressive from the jump! Generously blessing the universe with his talent acquisition gift and shouting out Nigerian 🇳🇬 artist= highlight of this interview!👏🏾

[@treytrillionaire]

The real Afrikan spirit is behind you Akon, nobody can stop what is to come, not even Akon himself can stop this project from going ahead. Its already written in the stars and its only a matter of time. The tide is turning and this winter will show people where the future is heading.

[@talentinomusic]

Definition of AKON? Answer: TALENT & WISDOM Period!!! 💯

[@bey_lliswiggle3782]

I enjoyed this interview sooo much. Love you Akon

[@oryanpickle3215]

I Love You Big Bro Akon....

[@nnekaonwuachu1]

You are soooo inspirational AKON

[@micheldejesus435]

Akon you're a genius , I can't describe the experience of this interview but i know it's true it's real energy coming from you, you give us hope and will to do better bro thank you

[@moemohsin591]

Love this interview Akon is my biggest idol and for you to ask in depth questions and the passion I love it! Great interview!!! ❤

[@missjammehvishishdoll5907]

Thanks for posting. MJFAM

[@banga8934]

Amazing interview !

[@danielmoyo2218]

Phenomenal interview 💎

[@SNAITHTOP]

Akon, you are a Champion 🏆 🥇 we need more of you, mentoring in the industry every body needs it.

[@tylerjohn2098]

That’s a massive W mans already made it and his helping people with it

[@4pokketwalkerhomebaby153]

Dats real how he came up 💪💪💪🤝💯💯💯💯

[@samehelnoor9600]

The inspiration part...was the BEST!!!

[@47NATES]

What an amazing interview man

[@olugbengaoluwaferanmi.g.o3182]

30:17 "...and Nigeria 🇳🇬 was the first place i thought to go..." says Akon. There is definitely alot of truth in what Akon says abt Nigeria.... That's some real positive vibes man.

[@officialsantanamontana]

Thank you for this encouraging words I see

[@abipaye2348]

Akon is incredible!!

[@teetown0429]

Yessss, You are speaking the Truth!

[@thatomofolo452]

All things work out together for our good 💪💪💪

[@reagle9315]

13:20 the "don't smoke, don't drink" line from Bartender makes sense now

[@truthkindahurtsloveyalltho6272]

akon signed wizkid and psquare???? that explains A LOT! lov psquare

[@Enabu1]

I love listening to this brother

[@Sandland113]

Akon said the same thing I said when it comes African Americans who are famous and wealthy can move there & start building multiple homes, Businesses, and Communities.If they can all can do that what Akon did Africa would have been greater than it ever was way before slavery!

[@tristinhall1275]

Yeah it's a nice thought but at the end of the day that's nobody's responsibility and nobody has to do anything for Africa or for black people just because they can

[@Sandland113]

@@tristinhall1275 But if Akon can build his own city in Senegal so can we!

[@tristinhall1275]

@@Sandland113 we can if we so choose desire but if we don't that doesn't mean anything about us. Y'all got to stop thinking that just because there are such thing as successful blacks that all of a sudden the focus needs to be on Africa. Some of us are just trying to get ahead in our life and do what we can for ourselves. Helping the rest of the world is not a responsibility.

[@Sandland113]

@@tristinhall1275 but Africa is suffering right now!

[@tristinhall1275]

@@Sandland113 and there are rich Africans over there too one of the richest black people in the world it happens to be an African man. Also Africa is an entire continent and three times the size of the United States the entire continent is not suffering some of those countries are beautiful and people are thriving. And once again Africa is not anybody's responsibility in America.

[@freddiemack1285]

Good work with timestamps

[@domju5637]

Akon and Styles - the best of him

[@ACGreenTV]

When Celebs Get Their New Hairlines … They Never Do The Sides

[@skilomic]

Yeah right? I don’t get it

[@koba9457]

Nah Akon always had the same hairline! He just had low cuts or wore hats!

[@mojalefapitso9377]

@@koba9457 He's barber did him dirty though 😂

[@koba9457]

@@mojalefapitso9377 🤣🤣🤣 nigga was really gettin bowl cuts!

[@ACGreenTV]

@@koba9457 Nah his hairline was never that low lol

[@Azo0312]

That song with The Game is "Would I be Wrong" it snippet in '09...

[@TheChameleon2008]

Akon a very smart dude!!!!

[@Pushes.politicians]

I pray for you 🤲🏾 you speak the truth

[@samueloladelelayiwola2370]

We gonna reap exactly what we sow 💯🇳🇬

[@syink5271]

I started watching Akon from the time he made Gunshots! I was a kid at that time in west Africa, Liberia 🇱🇷. I was 4years old at that time. My parents had restaurant and Akon music used to play all day long..♥️

[@jose12181980]

I'll live in your city in Africa I can totally relate brother we all have a purpose as we get older we see things so much different you can always count me in

[@royalbillionsmusic]

Smart af! I've been trying to work with him and his brother for a while

[@14d433]

Oh My God!

[@lwmarkgraal]

Akonnnnn

[@blessibgdiza7704]

God bless you Akon.

[@14d433]

Oh my god!

[@KingSnowyKerr]

I already wanna visit AkonCity.

[@14d433]

Akon's In Here

[@cyrup9183]

W akon

[@musicbox6144]

Afro best scene ? Buddy you have no idea 🔥 Afro beats is everywhere now

[@obz2861]

❤️🐐

[@technicalface]

Man i like his song i wanna make up right now

[@w.a.l6518]

This is a very smart African man. Imagine if all African thought like this 💣💣💥

[@Odia.co.]

The African is a business man don’t get it twisted lol

[@mello5000ify]

🐐 🐐 🐐

[@domju5637]

Akon the city

[@14d433]

GRID 2

[@preposteroussvideos]

My brother 🇳🇬

[@14d433]

Akons In Here

[@14d433]

4. 9 - March 5. 9 - May

[@NickMintz]

Alon has gotta make a movie about his life one day.

[@WORLDOFAKON]

You guys didn't asked about upcoming project ?? 😊

[@14d433]

Put In Work (Remix)

[@14d433]

Big Sean

[@jamuriyadabarakaysan1858]

AKON CITY I wanna move here

[@XdontwurkX]

First

[@14d433]

Put In Work (REMIX)

[@michael43567]

35:23 lool, I don't think buddy meant to offer the fist pound

[@14d433]

Put In Work (REMIX) Put In Work (Remix)

[@diamondqueenentertainment4162]

This is what the making of a 🌍 👑📈🕊️☀️✊🏾🤝🏽 AMONG Mankind.... Looks 👁️ like. 1❤️🙏🏽🇯🇲🕊️🌍🕎

[@pranjalmishra5087]

Respecccccccccccccccccc

[@14d433]

Kung Fu Panda🐼

[@14d433]

Remy Ma Have It

[@14d433]

Remy Ma President

[@14d433]

9:39 10:57 46:31

[@14d433]

March 7 8 9, 2021

[@14d433]

Uncharted

[@deniskabamba9853]

Where did his hair come from

[@jahvinbrowne6591]

🇰🇳💪👏

[@14d433]

DJ January

[@14d433]

Remy Ma Have It Money

[@14d433]

9:39 46:31

[@14d433]

DJ January (42:33)

[@waliwingman735]

Is love to connect wroth him to do the same for Haiti. Pass the message

[@BryanKalloo]

Top 3 R&B for me. I don't remember him having a hard hairline like that lol looks like he's wearing a cap or something

[@14d433]

0:39

[@14d433]

Remy Ma Sony Camera

[@14d433]

10:51

[@14d433]

Remy Ma Have

[@14d433]

Remy Ma President Christmas

[@AB-OSS]

Its a Vibrator tho?

[@14d433]

August 21, 2023

[@Monica-ow4sn]

Can I go live in his city

[@14d433]

Jolly Reacher Ice Cream