Akon

Breakthrough Artist Akon The First Music Star To 'Act' In Verizon Wireless TV Ad V CAST Rollout To Feature Exclusive New Akon Track, “High Road” Multi-talented global superstar Akon and mobile communications favorite Verizon Wireless are partnering together on an innovative new integrated marketing campaign to promote Verizon Wireless' V CAST services and mobile music capabilities on Verizon Wireless handsets. The global superstar Akon will be the first music artist to “act” in a Verizon Wireless TV Ad.

The multi-platform campaign will feature an exclusive new track from Akon, titled "Easy Road." “Easy Road” is available to V CAST mobile customers only, enabling them to purchase the full length track, as well as a ringback tone and mastertone version of the song. Music and artwork from Akon's platinum-selling album Konvicted will also be featured in Verizon Wireless stores, as well as becoming a component featured on Verizon Wireless handsets. Adding his own unique flair to Verizon Wireless' trendsetting blend of music and technology, the partnership is expected to heighten the already formidable profile of V CAST with music fans.

"Akon has emerged as one of the world's most compelling and exciting stars," stated Vice President of Marketing and New Media for Verizon, John Harrobin. "His commitment to his artistry and the community enables us to take our partnership with music industry innovators in yet another direction by collaborating on this unique TV advertising campaign."

Recently, Akon participated in a special Verizon Wireless event celebrating Black History month and coinciding with the launch of a new Verizon Wireless store in Harlem, NY. The event included a rare private performance by the charismatic singer/songwriter at the Soundstage of Harlem's historic Apollo Theatre for 200 lucky Verizon Wireless customers who were rewarded for their loyalty and support of Akon's mobile music content.

Fans will also be able to catch Akon live on stage when he joins Gwen Stefani on “The Sweet Escape Tour”, which hits the road on April 22nd. Akon's sophomore masterpiece Konvicted has hovered around the peak of the Billboard Top Albums chart for weeks, out-performing the best and brightest that contemporary music has to offer. The album, features smash hits such as "I Wanna Love You" with Snoop Dogg (15 weeks in the Top 10) and the Grammy-nominated "Smack That," featuring Eminem (nearly 4 months in the Top 15). The two songs have moved more than 3 million ringtones, with “Smack That" snagging Akon his first Grammy nod.

Konvicted has become the breakthrough album of the year around the globe, rocketing towards platinum status in the UK, France, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. "Smack That" has already hit #1 in the UK, France, Australia and New Zealand. With the success of his debut release, Trouble and the #1 international smash "Lonely," Akon has been certified gold or platinum in more than a dozen countries. For updates the Verizon Wireless campaign and other news involving the star, please log on to his website www.Akononline.com.