After 15 years, Akon made a triumphant comeback to the Philippines, headlining V1BE Manila 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 3.
The American superstar brought his ‘The Superfan Tour’ to thousands of Filipino fans, turning the evening into a grand celebration of music and culture.
Joining Akon were some of the most talented artists from the Philippines and beyond, including Ez Mil, Gloc 9, Flow G, Lucas, SB19’s Pablo, Dappest X Adl, Legit Misfitz, Chocolate Factory, and DJ Kate Jagdon. Together, they delivered a spectacular show that blended global and local sounds.
Akon’s set was a masterclass in performance, featuring hits like ‘Bartender,’ ‘Smack That,’ ‘I Wanna Love You,’ and ‘Don’t Matter.’ He electrified the crowd, paying homage to his African roots while embracing Filipino culture.
“Everyone has one percent in their bodies that goes back to the Motherland [Africa], so I see all of you as family,” Akon told the audience, earning cheers and applause. The international artist even stepped off the stage to interact directly with fans, making the night even more unforgettable.
The evening was equally a showcase of local talent.
Ez Mil delivered powerful performances of his hits ‘Freeze,’ ‘Panalo,’ and collaborations like ‘Realest’ with Eminem. His mashup of SB19’s ‘Gento’ with ‘Panalo’ alongside Pablo was a crowd favorite.
Pablo performed solo hits like ‘Neumun’ and ‘Tambol’ and expressed gratitude for sharing the stage with legends.
Flow G hyped up fans with tracks such as ‘Rapstar’ and ‘High Score,’ expressing pride in representing Pinoy rap.
Gloc 9 brought nostalgia with iconic songs like ‘Simpleng Tao’ and ‘Sirena.’ The emotional highlight was when Gloc 9, Ez Mil, Pablo, and Flow G performed Francis Magalona’s ‘Kaleidoscope World’ together.
Lucas impressed the audience with his songs ‘Renegade’ and ‘Bass Go Boom,’ sharing his love for Filipino food and his excitement about performing in the country. “I have [a] bedtime, but when I see you, I [suddenly] have energy,” he joked.
Chocolate Factory added reggae vibes with hits like ‘Luviminda’ and a touching cover of Matisyahu’s ‘One Day.’ Meanwhile, DJ Kate Jagdon set the tone for the night with her electrifying mixes, and Legit Misfitz had the crowd dancing to classic hip-hop beats.
Akon closed the show with his latest track, ‘Beautiful Day,’ leaving fans on a high note. With its star-studded lineup and celebration of diverse music and culture, The Superfan Tour at V1BE Manila 2024 was a resounding success.
