The eight-track project follows last yearโsย TT Freakย EPย andย celebrates the singerโs Afrocentric influences in Afrobeats and amapiano reimaginations on tracks like โSleepโ, โSlow Motionโ, โEnjoy Thatโ and โMore Than Thatโ.
The new EP was preceded by โEnjoy Thatโ with South Africaโs Mr. Brown earlier this month, a collaboration Akon says enabled the two artists to create something exceptionally unique.
โWith an unrivalled talent and an unwavering dedication to his craft,ย he has cemented his place as an industry luminary and the release ofย Afro Freakย only reaffirms his ability to captivate audiences with his artistic vision,โ Akonโs team said about the new release. โAs he actively shapes the music landscape, Akonโs influence remains unparalleled, leaving an indelible imprint on the industry through his distinct sound, mesmerising live performances, and genre-bending expertise.โ
Born Aliaune Akon Thiam, Akon, a five-time Grammy nominee, is globally recognised for his R&B, hip hop, EDM and pop hits. He has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide.ย He is behind five studio albums, the latest two beingย El Negreetoย andย Akonda, both released in 2019.
Speaking to Vibe Magazine last year about the globalย impact of Afrobeats, Akon said: โIt feels amazing. Especially after fighting for Afrobeat[s] to get its visualness in the US for so long and trying to kind of expose the local African artists to major labels here … I just hope that everybody respects the aspect of what that is and treats it fairly. And not only that, but the artists coming from Africa understand the appreciation thatโs being held for this and not take it for granted. Like really maximise on the opportunity theyโve been given right now and really treat it like itโs meant to be treated.โ