Akon live in Manila on May 23

MANILA, Philippines - Akon, the prolific Senegalese-American hip-hop singer-songwriter and record producer, will be performing at the Araneta Coliseum on May 23, together with our very own international R&B superstar Billy Crawford.

Akon rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of his single Locked Up, from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single Smack That. The founder of Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution record labels, he is also well known for singing hooks and has over 155 guest appearances and 23 Billboard Hot 100 songs to his credit. He is the first solo artist to ever accomplish the feat of holding the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice.

2009 is fast shaping up to be the biggest year of Akon’s career. In addition to his own album, the Konvict CEO is prepping releases for T-Pain, Lady Gaga, Kardinal Offishal, Flipsyde Dolla and Colby O’Donis. His fashion line, Konvict and Aliaune Clothing, is set to launch. His personal charity, Konfidence Foundation, has teamed up with songwriter/philanthropist Peter Buffett to launch IsThereSomethingICanDo.com, a Google of sorts for charitable foundations.

Produced by ALV Events International, Akon Live in Manila is co-presented by OctoArts Entertainment and Regal Multimedia Inc.