But the record still has a chorus that make you feel good. When you look at Don't Matter, it's the same type of thing when you're in a position when you're trying to hold a relationship together but the people around you don't really want it - their actions, you can tell they don't really want to see you guys together. When you listen to songs like Right Now - that's actually a break-up song, looking back to get back with the girl I broke up with, like 'I wanna make up right now', but it's a huge club track. Even now, when I write my songs, it's always a sad topic but given party melodies that make you feel good.

But it's so funny because the topic matter, lyrically, is sad, but the song just makes you feel happy! It's funny because growing up I was a huge fan of Bob Marley and a lot of his songs were like that - you know, Redemption Song, things of that nature. 'I don't know if it's actually a sad song, but No Woman, No Cry has always been one of my favourite sorrowful songs.

To celebrate the release, we spoke to Akon to discover his Ultimate Playlist, and the stories behind the choices. He now launches his latest single, Tell Me We're OK, by teaming up with Shell and Pavegen to raise awareness of the need for access to energy, with the video featuring footage shot at the launch of Africa's first human and solar-powered football pitch in Lagos, Nigeria. Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam - known to you and I as plain old Akon - is one of the biggest and most influential stars in the music world.Īlongside his musical successes - three hugely successful albums and a string of hit singles - he has also been active in helping to bring energy to his native Africa, with the Akon Lighting Africa initiative, which aims to bring solar power to Africa.

Akon all songs list