Akon - Ta' Qali, Malta 14/08/2010

{Published in The Times of Malta, 18/08/2010}

(Akon)verted Crowd

Love him or hate him Akon’s impact on the modern music industry is unquestionable. Since his rise to fame a mere 6 years ago the R&B star has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, he helped kick-start Lady Gaga’s success story and has had the privilege of collaborating with late King of Pop Michael Jackson. Akon’s return to our shores is testament to his pulling power, and judging from the jam-packed crowd gathered at Ta’ Qali, his Maltese fanbase is evidently quite substantial.

The restless vibe of the waiting crowd instantly transforms into frenzy as soon as it is announced that Akon is about to hit the stage. Prior to the live proceedings, a short introductory video is aired, which features Akon playing the role of a diamond dealer who is on the verge of closing a lucrative deal with a shady looking mob boss. Having verified the mobster has the requisite cash to do business, Akon leisurely shows off his sparkling merchandise. However Akon soon realises that the whole scenario is a set up - the mob boss and his posse want to steal the diamonds and keep their money - and so a necessary gang shootout ensues, culminating with Akon’s escape through a glass window.

One can only wonder whether this is meant to be an extended metaphor for Akon’s take on the music industry; given the right amount of money he will deliver the musical goods, if not he’ll tear the place down. Understandably such analysis is not at the forefront of this audience’s mind, and with cameras at the ready they go berserk when Akon’s silhouette appears on stage.

For the first 15 minutes or so of Akon’s performance, the crowd is assaulted with a barrage of fast paced snippets of tracks, including We Takin’ Over and Soul Survivor. After this energised opening, the irresistibly hooky Sorry Blame It on Me serves as a well needed breather. However the party atmosphere is quick to resume with an extended version of Caribbean flavoured Don’t Matter, during which Akon showcases his conga skills. In between the multitude of hit singles the self proclaimed ‘konvict’ repeatedly name-checks Malta, making it clear that those present have his undivided attention. Akon’s ability to keep energy levels at a constant high is truly impressive, especially considering that there are no elaborate stage sets or dance troupes here.

At one point Malta is made to face off against rival clubbing island resort Ibiza in a who-is-the-loudest competition. With the help of Akon’s spirited encouragements, Malta is crowned the ‘liveliest place in the world’ by the star himself. The Maltese crowd exuberantly show their appreciation for this accolade. Clearly Akon knows how to get an audience on his side.

The atmosphere in Ta’ Qali reaches near hysteria when Akon decides to jump off stage and be carried amongst the front row audiences by security guards. The barriers holding the general standing section begin to buckle dangerously with the force of the throbbing crowd collectively pushing forward to touch the celebrity. Akon is almost recklessly relentless in his willingness to indulge his fans. He spends the final 15 minutes of his show stage diving and crowd surfing to hits such as Party Animal and Sexy Chick. It is quite a surreal sight to see Akon being carried messiah-like towards the stage by the crowd, nearby star-struck fans readily and happily wiping his soaked body with their removed garments.

In the aftermath, while the still buzzing crowd trails out trampling empty beer cans and plastic cups underfoot, it does dawn on the more astute audience member that Akon has slightly cheated his performance. For the final third of his 80 minute show Akon sang rather sparsely and was instead mostly a glorified MC bantering over playback tracks, throwing himself into the crowd. It appears that Akon is the diamond dealer of his opening video; his jewels are fame and celebrity. He has dazzled his audience with his celebrity, more so than with his music at this show.

That having been said, it does take considerable showmanship to work a crowd to such an entranced frenzy, and for the time he was on stage even disbelievers would have to admit that the R&B star had all present Akonverted.