Catching Akon concert in Singapore
- Akon, Concerts -
By Angelo Comsti
Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—Celebrated singer Akon has been the talk of the town these days because of his controversial concert antics. So when news spread that the 27-year-old R&B artist was to perform before a crowd of 3,000 (tickets were limited) in Singapore last Aug. 18, the local press (this writer included) was more than eager to witness (and write) what could be the next day’s entertainment headlines.
Thirty minutes into the concert, I arrived at Downtown East’s D’Marquee Stadium, amazed that the crowd was constantly chanting Akon’s name in the middle of a human beatbox’s performance. It was a free-standing event, and I could understand why.
Right after the host’s short introduction, DJ Benny D warmed up to everyone with his crazy mix of tunes and red kilt. He played familiar songs from the Black Eyed Peas, P. Diddy and Amy Winehouse and stood on the turntable, prompting everyone to join his wicked free-style dancing. For a while, it felt like a Benny D concert until Akon emerged behind the curtains and began his repertoire with “Jam Rock” and “Shake Down,” songs befitting the crowd’s ear-shattering reaction.
