The two artists were charmed by the approximately 25,000 fans who turned out for the gig, as well as the massive reception they received in Zimbabwe as soon as they landed in the country.

Although the show, dubbed the Konvict Concert, was marred by administrative bungling, it was highly successful, with some fans describing it as the best music concert to take place in Zimbabwe in
recent times.

Sean Paul, who was the first on stage, endeared himself to the fans, when he performed Bob Marley’s song Zimbabwe.

The Jamaican dancehall artist then performed other hits popular with Zimbabweans like Temperature and Hold my Hand.

Akon arrived on stage to a thunderous cheer from the crowd and performed Mama Africa, I’m so Paid and Beautiful.

He mesmerised the fans when he flew into the crowd and also walked in his ‘magic balloon’ and was later joined on stage by Hollywood actor Mekhi Pfifer.

In his farewell message to the fans just after he had finished performing, Akon indicated that he would return to Zimbabwe next year.

‘Zimbabwe see you next year..’.

The Senegalese-American music icon said he had been amazed by the welcome he received from Zimbabweans.
‘I was overwhelmingly received by the crowds as we drove around.

We were very excited, this is an incredible moment for us…As far as I am concerned Zimbabwe is a beautiful place,’ he said.

Sean Paul said he and Akon were planning to compose a duet about Zimbabwe.

‘Actually we have been discussing that with Akon and other guys here a while ago. Anything is possible, I have done rock, RnB, hip hop, yet I am a reggae artiste so I am considering that,’ he said.

‘It was a good thing partying out here with the people of Zimbabwe and doing what my hero Bob Marley did.’

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Walter Mzembi urged the artists to explore the investment opportunities that are available in Zimbabwe.

‘We are asking you to look for investment opportunities. You are absolutely welcome to extend your visit beyond the concert,’ he said.

Minister Mzembi said Zimbabwe has played host to many prominent personalities in recent times.

‘Under our celebrity host programme, we have had Oprah Winfrey, the King of Spain and Shakira. We have very powerful hospitality outlets in the country,’ he said. Perhaps the biggest blight of the Akon and Sean
Paul concert was that the two failed to visit the Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe’s premier tourist resort, as initially planned.

But despite all this the show will stay in the minds of most Zimbabweans for many years to come.