Akon Archives - The Knockturnal

Last week we attended one of the most prolific annual events during Grammy week, Amazon Music’s 2026 Lot Party. The event took place at the iconic Culver Studios and brought together artists, creators, executives, media and tastemakers across the music industry. KittyCa$H and Más Tiempo (Skepta) were on the ones and twos and the night even included special performances by both Ne-Yo and Akon! Ne-Yo performed classics like “Miss Independent” while Akon had guests going crazy with “I Wanna Love You.” The two also performed their collaborative hit with David Guetta, “Play Hard.” This performance came the same day the two announced their Night’s Like This Global 2026 Tour. Not only did fans get a sneak peak into their upcoming tour, but Skepta also shared an exclusive, previewing his upcoming unreleased record with Nigerian artist Asake called “Aloe Vera,” from his upcoming album Fork & Knife.

Throughout the night Amazon Music had a multitude of stations and activations set up for attendees to take home mementos. There was a merch customization station, Grammy Week prep goodies like mints & lip balm and several photo boots allowing guests to take print and digital pics as well as videos! Lite bites and complimentary cocktails with sensory add-ons were available like infused bubbles, dry ice and flames. Amazon Music also opened their Studio 126 doors and allowed guests to tour the premises and understand what all they offer like listening lounges, screening rooms and a giftshop. Studio 126 offered gameplay demos of Courtroom Chaos—the Snoop Dogg–driven, voice-controlled party game from Amazon Games Studios and an exclusive preview of Paul McCartney’s upcoming Man on the Run documentary and the merch showroom featured exclusive tour drops.

There were many special guests in attendance including MoneyBagg Yo, Shaboozey, Tinashe, Benson Boone, HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), Jhené Aiko, Tiffany Haddish, Chase Hudson and more.