MUMBAI: The maximum city is fast tuning into a global music hub, with concert announcements triggering an expected fallout: a surge in hotel interest. Data from Agoda show that between February and July 2025, domestic searches for stays in the city during big-ticket shows soared compared with two weeks earlier.
Travis Scott’s Circus Maximus Tour stop on 19 November fuelled a 110 per cent spike, Enrique Iglesias’ October double-header drove a 160 per cent rise, and Akon’s 16 November gig saw a 20 per cent lift.
This momentum follows January’s Coldplay bonanza, which sent searches rocketing 3,300 times higher than the week before tickets went on sale.
“Mumbai’s live music calendar is more diverse than ever, attracting fans from across the country to experience global artists in world-class venues,” said Agoda country director for the Indian subcontinent and Indian Ocean islands Gaurav Malik.
As more global names plug Mumbai into their tour schedules, the city’s rhythm is resonating well beyond its borders—creating fresh opportunities for hotels, venues and local businesses.
MUMBAI: Drugs might give you a fleeting high, but can they match the adrenaline rush of a game-winning goal or a last-second slam dunk?
Sony Sports Network is stepping back into the ring with a knockout move—this time, they’ve got global music icon Akon in their corner! The five-time Grammy nominee is bringing the beats to the battle, lending his track Akon’s Beautiful Day (Konvict Kulture / 9122 Records) to the third phase of “Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar”. The game plan? Crystal clear: Ditch the drugs, pick up a ball, and play for the win—because real champions choose sports, not shortcuts!
The “Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar” campaign has already struck a chord with millions, and now, Akon’s anthemic song adds a fresh wave of energy to the movement. The latest campaign film, featuring a dynamic montage of Indian sports icons, reinforces how sports provide a healthier, more fulfilling path for young minds. Inspired by the uplifting beats of Akon’s track, the campaign aims to guide the youth away from drugs and towards a life of passion and purpose.
Sony Pictures Networks India CRO – distribution & international business and head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul shared his enthusiasm for the campaign, “‘Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar’ is more than just a campaign; it’s a mission. Having a powerhouse like Akon join us amplifies our message tenfold. ‘Akon’s Beautiful Day’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of choosing sports over harmful distractions.”
Akon, known for hits that have transcended generations, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, “Music has the power to change lives, and I am grateful that my song can contribute to such an important cause. The world needs love and positivity, and if Akon’s Beautiful Day can inspire even one person to make the right choice, it’s a blessing.”
The song’s inspiring message and powerful beats seamlessly align with the campaign’s mission. Akon’s Beautiful Day serves as the perfect backdrop to the stories of athletes who have harnessed the power of sports to transform their lives. This collaboration underscores the belief that sports are not just a game; they are a way of life, fostering discipline, perseverance, and resilience.
Sony Sports Network has amplified the campaign across its platforms, reaching over 16 million+ social media followers. The movement continues to spread far and wide, with previous films from the campaign racking up impressive engagement numbers.
Mumbai: The World Tennis League (WTL) is delighted to announce that the Grammy Award winning-artist Akon will be performing at the third season of the league, scheduled to be held at the iconic Etihad Arena from 19 to 22 December 2024.
With Akon joining the legendary rock musician Bryan Adams and American pop diva Anastacia in a star-studded line-up of artists, the WTL promises to be bigger and more exciting as it builds on the success of the previous seasons.
The chart-topping artist, who performed in the last edition, is set to enthral the crowd with his live performances on 21 December, concluding the penultimate day of the WTL 2024 at the Etihad arena in Yas Island.
Akon, who performed in the previous edition of the World Tennis League, is an influential figure in the music world. His unique blend of R&B, hip-hop and pop music has captivated audiences worldwide for decades and dominated the charts with hits like Smack That, Right Now (Na Na Na), Lonely and I Wanna Love You.
Building on the success of previous seasons, the WTL has established itself as a premier event that combines elite tennis with electrifying musical performances. With preparations for the ‘Greatest Show on Court’ in full swing, Season 3 is shaping up to be a highlight of the sporting calendar this year.
Concert ticket holders can upgrade their WTL experience by securing a discounted add-on Tennis ticket for the Tennis matches for the day.
Tickets will go on sale at etihadarena.ae later this week and stay tuned for one more hitmaker’s announcement, who is set to join Akon to perform on 21 December.
MUMBAI: The Fugly boy Arfi Lamba is on cloud nine these days, reason being he has been offered an international film with Akon and Lady Gaga. The name of the film is The Key Project and it is directed by Will’o (Pantheras Films).
Will ‘O, has directed many television productions and commercials. He has been in the business for over 14 years and has seen and experienced all aspects of film production. His last project was the feature film The Million Dollar Date starring Tom Sizemore.
Lamba will be the only Indian in the film. Clarifies Arfi, “Yes, I have been offered the key project though right now it’s too early to reveal any further details. I am really excited about the project.”
“I am really excited to work with Akon and Lady Gaga. Lady gaga is doing a small but very important role in the film,” he adds.
The Key Project is a film about real experiences that successful people have gone through to get to where they are today. Will ‘O states, “Success means a lot of different things, from health, finances, and many others… we want to capture the different stories from celebrities to teachers, to show the power of never giving up.”
MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has decided to explore strategic alternatives to maximise the value of Famous Music, its music publishing business.
It could sell the business. The company has retained UBS Investment Bank to act as financial advisor to assist in this process.
Famous Music was founded in 1928 by Paramount Pictures’ predecessor, the Famous-Lasky Corporation, to publish music from its “talking pictures”. Today the firm says that it is one of the top 10 music publishers in the US, supplying music to a diversified range of global media.
Its catalogue of more than 125,000 copyrights spans seven decades and includes music from films like The Godfather, Forrest Gump and Titanic, as well as classic television shows including The Brady Bunch, Cheers and the Star Trek franchise.
Since 1992, Famous Music has moved into the mainstream of contemporary music with such platinum-plus acts as Shakira, Akon, Eminem and Busta Rhymes. Writers and producers on the Famous roster include Irv Gotti, 7 Aurelius, Linda Perry, Tia Sillers, Charlie Midnight, and Marvin Hamlisch.
MUMBAI: Channel [v] celebrated its 13th birthday with the Big [v] concert on 13 January this year.
On the occasion, the channel also introduced an innovative concept called ‘Made By You’, where the channel gave a gang of 10 lucky winners an opportunity to shoot their very own Big [v] Concert.
The concert saw performances by international hip hop star Akon, Pakistani singers Atif, Call and Raeth and Indipop artistes Shaan, Kailash Kher Bappi Lahiri and DJ Suketu. Shankar Ehsaan Loy performed their songs from Salam-E-Ishq accompanied by a dance performance by Priyanka Chopra.
The viewers were asked to log onto the channel’s website or SMS the answer to a contest. The lucky winners were allowed to shoot the Big [v] Concert along with the Channel [v] brigade
This ‘Made by you’ series will be aired on Channel [v] as mini episodes from 23 February at 8.00 pm. which has been shot by these amateur cameramen.
MUMBAI: Channel [V] will turn 13 on 13 January and to celebrate the same it is hosting the Big [V] Concert in association with Mentos.
The concert, will feature performances by International hip hop star Akon, Pakistani singers Atif, Call and Raeth and Indi-pop artists – Shaan, Kailash Kher, Bappi Lahiri and DJ Suketu.
Also there would be special performances by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Priyanka Chopra.
The fiesta will include Get Gorgeous at the Get Gorgeous stall, which can be a ticket to enter the next season of the hunt if your photograph clicked at the stall, catches the eye at Channel [V]. There would be a Back to Music Stall where local bands will perform.
Channel [V] will also give 10 lucky winners the opportunity to shoot their very own Mentos Big [V] Concert. People can participate by logging onto www.vindia.com or sms to Star 7827.
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