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!”
Iconic Salford music venue The White Hotel to reopen under new ownership from 2027
Clementine Hall
After announcing plans to close at the end of the year, famed Manchester club The White Hotel is changing hands.
Just a couple of months ago back in May, it was announced that one of Greater Manchester’s most cutting-edge and best-loved nightlife venues would be closing its doors for good.
Despite ‘continuing to draw full houses’, co-founder Ben Ward told The Guardian that the venue had found itself in a flood-risk zone, saying: “Basically, it’s a swamp.”
He added that it was better ‘to go out on our own terms, long before we became a museum’.
But it seems the swamp may live on…and although it is the end for the cult favourite nightclub as we know it, the former garage in Salford will be reopening in new ownership from 2027.
From January onwards, the disused Dickinson Street space will be known as BASTION according to a social media post shared to Instagram yesterday.
It will be run by the team who operate neighbouring venue The Bag Factory and will be supported by the Strange Art Collective CIC.
Images: The Manc
The Bag Factory shared a black and white illustration of the iconic White Hotel’s exterior, along with coordinates to the venue, stating: “The underground has a new stronghold”.
Rather cryptic we must say, and although we hope The White Hotel that we know and love could stick around forever – we hope the new owners will keep some of its magic alive.
Violet Grohl addresses fans after cancelling Manchester gig just hours before doors opened
Daisy Jackson
Rising rock star Violet Grohl has addressed fans after cancelling her sold-out Manchester gig just hours before fans entered the venue.
The singer (who, yes, is the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl) had been set to perform to a packed-out crowd at Band On The Wall last night.
But just hours before doors opened, Violet announced that the show would be postponed, along with tonight’s show in Glasgow.
She said in a statement that she was ‘really f**king bummed’ to be cancelling the shows.
Violet told fans that the gigs had to be cancelled because she ‘doesn’t have a voice right now’.
She is due to perform on The Canopy stage at Leeds Festival this Friday, and its sister site Reading Festival on Sunday.
The star added ‘it pains me to make this decision’ as she officially postponed her Manchester show.
Those who had tickets will receive updated information soon, with the plan to reschedule them.
She wrote: “hey everyone. really f**king bummed to have to let yall know i’m canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows in Manchester and Glasgow.
“i don’t have a voice right now and it pains me to make this decision, but i just can’t perform.
“we’re rescheduling these shows and everyone who bought a ticket will receive the updated info. looking forward to seeing you soon xx i’ll be back!!!”
Violet Grohl released her debut album, Be Sweet To Me, back in May, produced at the home of acclaimed producer Justin Raisen.
Her music takes influence from late 80s and early 90s rock, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and more.
When she announced her UK tour dates, demand was so overwhelming her Manchester show was upgraded from The Deaf Institute to Band On The Wall.
Danny Jones -
5th February 2024 
