US-Senegalese artist Akon has found himself trending once again after some of his old comments about South Africa resurfaced online. The renewed attention comes shortly after the Smack That hitmaker hinted that his upcoming tour could include a stop in Mzansi.
In a 2022 interview on Vlad TV, Akon spoke about race relations in South Africa while responding to Kanye West’s controversial “White Lives Matter” T-shirt. During the conversation, he shared his perspective on what he called “reverse racism” in the country.
“This is a true story,” he said. “Since the power has been taken over, the government is 90% black running it. And the white folk are screaming about equality, saying, ‘It’s not fair.’ So exactly what is happening in America is happening in South Africa.”
Laughing, he added, “White Lives Matter – in South Africa 100%. Kanye got the right shirt in the wrong country.”
Akon also mentioned that he had once written a song about Nelson Mandela but never had the chance to meet the late icon, saying, “I would have loved to.”
Now, as he teases new tour destinations, Akon has asked fans to suggest countries they’d like him to visit. However, many South Africans have taken to his comment section urging him to reconsider performing in the country — a reaction seemingly fueled by his resurfaced remarks.
Whether or not Akon decides to include South Africa on his tour remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain — Mzansi hasn’t forgotten what he said.
please don’t come to South Africa pic.twitter.com/Bev8hmj1qx
— DMN4ever😘 (@DMN4ever) October 16, 2025