International artist Akon, best known for his international chart hits ‘Locked Up’, ‘Lonely’ and ‘Smack That’ took his 15-date UK tour with Konvict Kartel Tre Carte, OG Boo Dirty and Tone Tone to the O2 Academy in Boscombe in November 2017.
This R&B hip-hop and rap line-up had the venue bouncing on Wednesday 1 November as the label-mates took their show to the town’s ornate and intimate theatre stage, originally built as a music hall and opera house.
The tour gave fans the chance to see Platinum-selling Akon play the UK for the first time in two years, showcasing material from the American artist’s two-decade career that has seen him achieve global fame. His 2017 hit ‘Yes’ saw him collaborate with Dutch DJ and producer Sam Feldt on a trademark catchy dance tune with summer-sounding tropical vibes.
The O2 Academy has a reputation for attracting world-class acts appealed by its cosy and accessible design. It may be diminutive and highly decorative – a far cry from St Louis, Missouri where the artist was raised, but it more than squared up to this formidable US music outfit.