One of the biggest names of the 2000s and 2010s and most successful R’n’B artists of all time, Akon, is officially back and returning to the UK in just a few months’ time and, of course, he’s coming to Manchester.
The American-born music icon, who dominated the charts when it came to both R’n’B, hip-hop and pop throughout the noughties and beyond, hasn’t played any British shows in over a decade but is now set to bring ‘The Superfan’ tour to our shores.
Of Senegalese descent, he also remains one of the richest men in Africa with an estimated worth of more than $83 million, having taken a step back from music to carry out extensive humanitarian work and use his money for good, such as providing solar electricity to 14 different African countries.
Now though, Akon is heading back out on the road and returning to Manchester this spring to replay all the hits, including tracks like ‘Locked Up’, ‘Smack That’, ‘Lonely’, ‘Bananza’ and many more.
Set to take the stage at the legendary O2 Apollo on Tuesday, 30 April, Akon (real name Aliaune Thiam) will be picking out the best of the bunch from his five studio albums to date, his last being released back in 2019.
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Having sold upwards of 35 million albums worldwide and won countless awards for his numerous smash-hit singles, not to mention all the amazing charity work he’s carried out down the years, he’s amassed a loyal following that will no doubt be buzzing to see the nostalgic name back touring.
Speaking on the announcement, Akon said: “I hope my UK and European fans are ready for a show filled with good music and energy! It’s been 10 years since I’ve done shows out here, so I cannot wait!”
Sam Fender teases enormous stadium gig in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Sam Fender has teased a return to the live stage – and they’re set to be his biggest shows yet.
The Newcastle-born singer-songwriter released a Lord of the Rings-inspired skit video last night, which showed him taking on the role of Frodo Baggins.
He then lit ‘beacons’ at several stadiums around the UK and Ireland, including in Manchester and his home city of Newcastle.
The Mercury Prize-winning star last performed in our city last summer, when he headlined a night at Live From Wythenshawe Park 2025.
But now he’s teasing a show at the Etihad Stadium, which will be significantly larger.
Alongside his Manchester gig, Sam Fender seems set to announce stadium concerts at St James’s Park in Newcastle (where he performed three headline shows in 2025) Malahide Castle in Ireland, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, and Wembley Stadium in London.
Posters have also popped up around Manchester city centre today ahead of the official announcement, which read ‘PROPER MASSIVE’.
Obviously, Sam Fender will be fitting his gig in around another rather large and already-announced tour at the Etihad Stadium, with Oasis already set to play a record-breaking 11 nights next June.
Clubland to celebrate 25 years with huge arena show in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Clubland is heading to Manchester for a special arena-sized anniversary celebration next year.
The Clubland Arena Tour promises a night of the biggest artists and biggest anthems, giving fans the chance to come together for a celebration of the dance music brand.
Celebrating 25 years of Clubland, the tour will stop off at arenas in Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle, Aberdeen, and of course Manchester.
With the event set to take over one of Manchester’s biggest live entertainment venues, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a nostalgic night of club classics and dancefloor favourites – even before the lineup is announced.
The full line-up is expected to be announced very soon, with fans encouraged to keep an eye out for further details.
Previous headliners at Clubland Live have included Cascada, Basshunter, Scooter, Ultrabeat, and Vengaboys, always guaranteeing a night of non-stop anthems.
For many dance music fans, Clubland has become synonymous with the sounds that dominated clubs, radio playlists and party nights throughout the 2000s.
Credit: Supplied
Over the years, Clubland has continued to celebrate the artists and songs that helped define an era of dance music, giving fans the chance to experience their favourite tracks live alongside thousands of like-minded clubbers.
From infectious pop-dance hits to harder-hitting electronic anthems, its events tap into a sense of nostalgia while keeping the energy of a night out firmly at the centre of the experience.
The 25th anniversary tour looks set to build on that legacy, bringing a quarter-century of club classics to arenas across the UK.
The Clubland Arena Tour will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on Friday 30 April 2027.
Tickets will go on sale on 30 October from 9.30am, but you can also register for the AO Arena presale to get early access to tickets on 29 October from 9.30am.
Danny Jones -
5th February 2024 
