Akon takes a bold leap into country music by reinventing his hits

Akon is beginning to carve a new path for himself in the country music scene.

In a recent Instagram post, the multi-platinum artist revealed plans to reinterpret his pop and R&B hits through a country lens.

“Great songs live forever,” he wrote. “It’s just about how you tell the story.”

The post included a clip in which Akon spoke directly to fans, sharing both excitement and apprehension about the project. “I don’t know about this one,” he laughed, “but I’m ready to try something new.”

His message reflected a willingness to experiment while acknowledging that some listeners might be sceptical.

Looking back on his early career, Akon reminded followers that risks have long been part of his approach to music. He recalled the release of his breakthrough single, “Locked Up”, saying, “Nobody wanted to hear about life in prison. But I gave it a chance, and look what happened.”

In a recent interview with the Grammy Awards team, he described the country project as a long-standing passion of his.

“Country is a passion project. It’s an opportunity for me to actually do what I always wanted to do. Now that I’m fully independent and own my master's, I’m free to do what I need to do and put my money where I want to put it,” he said.

Earlier this year, Akon confirmed the scope of the project in statements to various publications. “I’m actually redoing my whole catalogue in country,” he said.

“I’m not even joking… This has been an idea for years. The project has been in motion for the last five years. But starting next month, y’all gonna start seeing all the releases.”

He also explained the approach he is taking. Classic hits like “Locked Up" will be included, but the tracks will primarily feature country artists performing the songs.

Akon will take more of a guest role, allowing the reinterpretations to reflect the styles of the featured country musicians.

“They’re country artists featuring me. They’re the ones performing them,” he said.

Fans responded with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

One wrote, “Didn’t know you were crazy like that, Akon - I’m intrigued!” Another added, “Country’s one of my favourite genres too. Can’t wait to hear it.”

Akon has long been known for blending genres, moving from Afrobeat to pop and R&B. His willingness to explore new sounds has been a constant in his career, and this latest project continues that pattern.

He suggested that country music would allow him to return to the emotional storytelling that first drew him to music, offering a new way of “singing love and struggle differently”.

The reinterpretations are expected to cover his extensive discography, which includes albums such as “Trouble”, “Konvicted”, Freedom”, “Stadium” and “El Negreeto”.

Across these albums, Akon has delivered hits including “Locked Up”, “Smack That”, “Lonely”, “Right Now (Na Na Na)”, “Beautiful” and “Sexy B#tch”.

Each song carries a story, and he plans to explore those stories in a new format, translating them into the rhythms and instrumentation of country music.