Akon Drops New Single

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 7, 2024: Senegalese-American international Grammy-winning superstar, Akon, is riding high on fan demand and critical acclaim after the release of a 30-second teaser for his highly anticipated new single, “Akon’s Beautiful Day.” The clip, shared on Instagram on October 4, 2024, via Konvict Kulture Records, went viral with over 100 million views and generated more than 100,000 fan-created videos, even before the song’s official release. Known for his uplifting music and global initiatives, “Akon’s Beautiful Day” is a testament to resilience and hope, encouraging listeners to find light amid life’s challenges.

Akon releases new single. (PHOTO CREDIT: ZEKARIA AL-BOSTANI

Complex perfectly captured the essence of the song, commenting, “Akon returns with ‘Akon’s Beautiful Day,’ a song the five-time Grammy nominee is hoping will serve as ‘the anthem the world needs right now.’”

Upon its release, the track instantly reached 27 Spotify New Music Friday playlists, spanning territories from Germany to the Philippines, France, Italy, and more, reaching a total of 3.9 million listeners on day one. Additionally, the single landed on Apple Music’s New Music Daily playlists in several countries and DEEZER’s top playlists in the UK and France. U.S. radio stations, including 102.7 KIIS-FM (Los Angeles) and WiLD 94.9 (San Francisco), have also quickly added the track to their rotations.

Akon’s career is filled with groundbreaking achievements, including being the first artist to hold both the number one and number two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 twice and amassing over 1 billion views on YouTube. “Akon’s Beautiful Day” builds on this legacy with its powerful message, featuring an interpolation of the viral hook written by Jamaican artist Jermaine Edwards and popularized by 10-year-old Rushawn Ewears, whose moving performance of the song touched hearts globally. Akon’s soulful vocals, backed by a choir of children’s voices, turn this melody into an uplifting anthem for the world.

Produced in collaboration with JKash, J.R. Rotem, and Phil Phever, “Akon’s Beautiful Day” combines acoustic guitar arrangements with an infectious beat, delivering a feel-good chorus that invites global singalongs. The release coincides with the 20th anniversary of Akon’s debut album Trouble, which launched his career with hits like “Locked Up.” Alongside his upcoming “Akon SuperFan Tour” across Asia, Akon is also expanding into film with a documentary, Headliners Only, produced by Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Productions.

In a world facing numerous challenges, Akon’s positive message of unity and optimism is resonating more than ever. “Akon’s Beautiful Day” aligns with his broader mission to inspire through his music and humanitarian efforts, including the ongoing “Akon Lighting Africa” project, which aims to provide sustainable energy to millions across the continent. With this new release, Akon, 51, reclaims his place as a pop icon, delivering a song of hope and light that the world needs right now. Stream HERE

History Making CPL For St. Lucia Kings

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 7, 2024: The St. Lucia Kings made history Sunday night by claiming their first-ever Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, defeating the defending champions, Guyana Amazon Warriors, on their home ground at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

Faf du Plessis, captain of St.Lucia Kings lifts the CPL T20 trophy after the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final match between Saint Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

In a thrilling final, the Kings posted 139 for 4 after bowling out the Amazon Warriors for 138 for 8, securing a remarkable six-wicket victory. The win silenced the packed Guyanese crowd, marking a momentous achievement for St. Lucia cricket.

Daren Sammy (C), head coach of St.Lucia Kings celebrates with teammates after winning the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final match between Saint Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The turning point came when the Kings were struggling at 51 for 4 in pursuit of 139 on a slow, tricky pitch. The Amazon Warriors’ spin attack dominated the middle overs, while Roston Chase battled illness, and Aaron Jones seemed out of form. At one point, captain Daren Sammy even considered retiring Jones. But Jones soon turned the game around, smashing 38 off his next 12 balls, and alongside Chase, forged an unbroken 88-run partnership that snatched victory from the Amazon Warriors.

Daren Sammy, head coach of St.Lucia Kings celebrates after winning the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final match between Saint Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Chase, playing his fifth season for the Kings, was instrumental in both bowling and batting. He finished the week on a high, having also earned a Cricket West Indies (CWI) central contract.

Roston Chase, and Khary Pierre of St.Lucia Kings pose for a photo with the CPL T20 trophy after winning the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final match between Saint Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Earlier, the Amazon Warriors struggled on a sluggish surface, managing just 27 runs in the powerplay. Despite valiant efforts from Shai Hope (22 off 24 balls) and the late big-hitting from Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius, who added 36 runs in the final two overs, their total of 138 was not enough to defend. Noor Ahmad’s stellar performance, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs, was a highlight, but it was not enough to stop the Kings’ march to victory.

Jones’ explosive performance in the 16th and 17th overs, combined with Chase’s steady support, sealed the win. The dramatic 27-run over off Moeen Ali and the subsequent 20 runs from Pretorius’ over put the game out of reach for the Amazon Warriors.

Jones, who has had a remarkable 2024 season, made his CPL return through his Barbadian passport and delivered when it mattered most. His six-hitting display echoed his standout performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup and capped a memorable night for both him and the Kings.

St. Lucia Kings coach Daren Sammy, known for his leadership and inspirational style, wrapped Jones in a celebratory embrace after the victory – an iconic moment that will be remembered as the Kings lifted their maiden CPL trophy.