Akon Finds It's 'Lonely' at the Top:

Akon Finds It's 'Lonely' at the Top:

'Lonely' #5 Two Weeks in a Row on Hot 100 Singles Chart in U.S.

'Trouble' Ranks #2 on European Albums Chart

NEW YORK, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- SRC artist Akon continues his unprecedented global success both here and abroad with his chart-topping hit, "Lonely," from his platinum-certified debut album Trouble. Both the song and album have become success stories in the U.S. and internationally, dominating radio airplay and sales charts: "Lonely" is currently #5 on Billboard's "Hot 100 Singles" chart and is also #5 in Japan; Impressively, Akon's album continues to rise on the European Albums chart making a remarkable jump from #22 to #11 in just one week, and climbs into the Top 20 this week on the domestic albums chart.

Such hit-making prowess has given the versatile singer/songwriter a well earned reputation as one of the music world's more formidable new talents, as Akon finds himself one of the most in-demand rising stars abroad with sold-out performances confirmed in Norway, Spain, Germany, France, and the UK. The Senegalese sing/songwriter will also perform in parents' homeland, Senegal for two sold-out shows on June 6th and 7th.

Akon's previous single, the mesmerizing "Locked Up," ignited his incredible momentum, becoming a Top 5 single in France and the UK, and continues to maintain a consistent Top 10 status throughout Europe. The inaugural single from the critically acclaimed Trouble also made a huge splash here in the States, establishing him as a credible singer in the hip-hop community.

Akon's roots in music can be traced back to his father, the legendary percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam. Exposed to many forms of music at an early age, Akon gravitated towards hip-hop as a teen-ager, but he is a true musician who refuses to be limited. The charismatic performer has collaborated with a diverse range of artists that include: Baby Bash, Jesse McCartney, Brian McKnight, Styles P and Bobby Vinton- whose "Mr. Lonely" inspired Akon's current hit "Lonely."

Source: Universal Records

CONTACT: Shirronda Sweet, +1-212-841-8622, shirronda.sweet@umusic.com, or Wendy Washington, +1-212-373-0702, wendy.washington@umusic.com, both of Universal Records

Web site: http://www.universalrecords.com/

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