Akon, a well-known American rapper, is not calling off his performance at Sirius despite the recent drone assault.
In the Black Sea resort of Sochi, five-time Grammy nominee Akon performed for an eager audience at the Iceberg Ice Palace. However, the concert was temporarily halted due to a drone attack threat, causing a brief evacuation of the venue.
Akon, who was staying in a presidential suite at one of Sochi's hotels, had been given a traditional Russian greeting of bread and salt upon his arrival. The presidential suite, decorated in Slavic style, boasts a private pool on the roof.
The event, enhanced with wooden, painted tableware, was the second visit for Akon to Russia since 2014 and his first to Sochi. Fans gathered outside the Iceberg Skating Palace before the concert, hoping for a photo with Akon and an autograph.
The cost of concert tickets ranged from 11,400 to 100,000 rubles, with the most popular being dance floor tickets priced at 13,300 rubles. Fans of the hit "Smextaaaa" bought all the tickets, creating a lively atmosphere at the concert.
Due to heightened security measures, many fans left the ice palace without hearing the hit "Smack That" because of the reported drone attack by the Ukrainian military. Event organizers asked viewers to remain calm, follow staff instructions, and get information only from reliable sources.
Despite the initial scare, the concert eventually resumed after about half an hour, with Akon taking extra precautions earlier that day, hiding in a hotel bathroom during a preceding air raid alert. The concert was described as "absolutely epic" by some attendees.
Authorities urged attendees to follow safety instructions and reassured that there was no danger once the alert was lifted, while also warning about the hazards of drone debris. Flight restrictions remained in place temporarily at Sochi Airport after the incident.
Despite the unexpected interruption, Sochi warmly welcomed Akon for his visit, marking another successful concert for the internationally acclaimed artist.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [3] News Source 3
Akon's concert, known for its lively atmosphere, featured a variety of music that entertained the anxious audience at the Iceberg Ice Palace in Sochi. After the temporary halt due to a drone attack threat, the concert resumed, offering a chance for fans to hear popular songs like "Smack That" and "Smextaaaa."
