Akon still in love with Zim 16 years later

Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

SENEGALESE-US rap and R&B star Akon still has fond memories of Zimbabwe, 16 years after visiting our shores for the Real Deal Concert held at the National Sports Stadium.

Born Aliaune Thiam in 1973, the world-renowned rapper headlined the event alongside Jamaican dancehall supremo Sean Paul, courtesy of ZimSwagg Entertainment, a company founded by the late music promoter and businessman Tendai Mupfurutsa, better known as Prince Tendai.

In a viral podcast that has caught the attention of millions, Akon recalled the 2010 Zimbabwe visit, when he was welcomed and mobbed by hordes of fans at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, before later heading to the National Sports Stadium.

In the refreshing interview, which was also praised on X for highlighting Zimbabwe’s hospitality, Akon who has performed in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands said Zimbabwean fans remain the best at welcoming visitors.

“When I was in Zimbabwe, wait a minute . . . we can’t literally leave the airport until they clear the space. I had to use the sunroof of a car all the way from the airport, where there were like three stadiums packed with fans.

“There was a sea of people. It was literally difficult for the people to leave — it was unbelievable,” Akon said.

He added: “It was during that time that I realised the purpose in my music. I realised that I have to manage my purpose.”

With music being a universal language, Akon also revealed how he has continued to win the hearts of millions wherever he performs, despite language barriers often standing in the way of communication. He still ranks Zimbabwean fans across Africa as the best.

At The Real Deal concert, the stage came alive with world-class sound and lighting that met international standards. The event’s scale was evident in its extensive marketing campaign, which extended beyond Zimbabwe’s borders through adverts flighted on international platforms such as Channel O and MTV. It was undeniably one of the biggest shows Zimbabwe has hosted in recent years, and remains engraved in the minds of many.

Prince Tendai’s trusted lieutenant, Joe “Local” Nyamungoma, who was heavily involved in organising The Real Deal Concert as a logistics officer, hailed him as a trendsetter and brave promoter.

“Mr Man, as we used to call him, deserves all this credit from Akon because he pulled off something that is yet to be matched. I was fortunate enough to work as his runner back then, and he introduced me to many influential people in Zimbabwe.

“I was actually one of Akon’s drivers and used to transport him from Meikles Hotel, now Hyatt Regency Harare, to Mr Man’s Greystone Park home. I was also amazed by the hospitality he received during his stay in Zimbabwe, and it is remarkable that, 16 years later, he still has such fond memories of the country.”

Nyamungoma, who later managed Suluman Chimbetu after Mupfurutsa’s death, revealed that the late promoter, who was also a music producer, shaped his career.

“It was not only Zimbabwean music fans who were excited when Akon came to the country; the experience also elevated my own profile, even to this day. I am now respected in the industry because I was part of the successful team that hosted two iconic stars, Akon and Sean Paul, on one stage, and that is an achievement that would be difficult to match.

“I can bet my last dollar that we will never see something like that during our time,” Nyamungoma boldly declared.

He added: “Back then, social media was not as popular in Zimbabwe, yet we still managed to attract a huge crowd. Imagine what could have happened if the event had taken place in this era, where marketing has been made much easier through digital platforms. I will always cherish him for bringing joy and excitement to Zimbabwe.” Prince Tendai is among promoters who boldly elevated Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry by bringing international artistes to the country. Since then, Zimbabwe has witnessed an influx of global performers, with many of Jamaica’s top music legends becoming regular visitors and performers on local stages.