Looks like the UAE just can't get enough of Akon. The R&B superstar has been booked to perform in Dubai next month – his third time in the emirate in the past two years.
And keen to take it a step further, organisers are promising an Akon show like never before seen in the region. In fact, it is going to be out of this world.
The Beautiful hit-maker will be part of what's being described as a new and unique party experience, called Evolution, set to take place on May 21 at the newly built Palladium in Dubai Media City.
What's more, he won't be alone, as renowned DJ Fedde Le Grand (of Put Your Hands Up for Detroit fame) will take to the decks afterwards to continue the party into the early hours of the morning.
Organised by SWS-Taktical, MusicPlus and Vibe, Evolution promises to be similar to festival events in Europe, with an outer- space theme coupled with a great party atmosphere. Think Ibiza gone Middle Eastern.
"There's the circus and then there's Cirque du Soleil. And there's concerts and then there's Evolution," Yassin Matbouly, Founder of Vibe told Emirates Business. "This will be a unique party concept never seen before in the region. Guests will be entertained as soon as they enter the venue. We're also requesting everyone wears white on the night to create a fantastic visual."
Designed by a team of artists from the Netherlands, the venue will be divided into sections with their own identities and music.
The entrance will be set as an intergalactic space station "where people check-in to leave for their final destination", according to the blurb. It will also be the area where guests can buy food, lounge around or meet up with friends.
Once inside, there will be three different areas – Galactic Valley, Planet Deluxe and Planet Superbia. Galactic Valley is the dance arena where DJs Irwan, Lady Bee and finally, Fedde Le Grand will provide dance music entertainment throughout the night. Then there's Planet Deluxe, which allows access to Lounge-A (the R&B club) and Lounge-B (the beverage lounge).
Finally, for those fancying a little bit of token Dubai VIP treatment, Planet Superbia, located on the top level of the venue, will offer seven "private skyboxes" overlooking the whole event, ideal for hosting private parties with guests.
Roberto Warnert, Managing Partner and Head of Logistics and Events at SWS-Taktical, added: "There will be many surprises on the night, and it will be one very unique experience. The concept artists we're working with have come up with some very exciting things."
SWS-Taktical's other managing partner, Omar Saab, said: "There will be music and dancers, and just great entertainment throughout the night. The great thing about the event is that we're catering to two different crowds and age groups. Akon has many younger fans, and so he'll be entertaining them and those who like R&B, and then you got Fedde Le Grand, who will cater for the over 21s – those who will be staying at the event later."
Despite the fact Akon has already performed twice in Dubai – once at the launch of MTV Arabia in 2007 and then at the Urban Desert Festival in Festival City last year – Matbouly is adamant the star will still attract concertgoers. "He is one of the biggest stars of the moment, and his latest album, Freedom, is doing great in the charts," he said. "This will be his first visit since his latest album was released so he'll be performing all the new hits."
Evolution 2009 Featuring Akon and DJ Fedde Le Grand. May 21 at The Palladium, Dubai Media City. Tickets start from Dh350 and go on sale on Monday at boxofficeme.com and also at all Virgin Megastores, Dubai
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