Global R&B superstar Akon has officially been announced as the headline musical performer for the Emirates Dubai 7s festival. Event organizers confirmed on November 10, 2026, that the Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and record producer will take the main stage—designated as the Frequency on 8 stage—at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Saturday, November 28.
The three-day festival, which runs from November 27 through November 29, is the Middle East's largest sports and music event. Akon's headlining performance will serve as the musical highlight of the second day of competition. Festival organizers revealed that his set will feature a high-energy lineup of his biggest global hits, including chart-topping singles such as Smack That, I Wanna Love You, Lonely, and Right Now (Na Na Na).
Akon first rose to worldwide stardom with the release of his 2004 debut album Trouble, which spawned the smash hits Locked Up and Lonely. He solidified his position as an international pop phenomenon with his sophomore album Konvicted, which earned multiple Grammy nominations. Over the course of his career, Akon has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide and achieved over 30 Billboard Hot 100 entries.
In addition to his success as a solo artist, Akon is renowned as a music executive and talent scout who played a pivotal role in launching the careers of major stars like Lady Gaga and T-Pain through his record labels Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution. Beyond music, he is widely recognized for his extensive philanthropic work in Africa, particularly through his Akon Lighting Africa initiative aimed at bringing solar electricity to rural communities.
Akon joins an impressive musical lineup for the festival, which also includes DJ sets from Spice Girls member Melanie C and British electronic producer Jax Jones. The announcement has sparked huge interest among concertgoers across the region, with festival tickets currently available as Dubai prepares for the major holiday weekend event.
