The Urban Music Festival at the Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg, failed to live up to expectations. Featuring Senegalese-American singer Akon and rapper Fat Joe, the show, held on Friday night, failed to attract music lovers despite thousands of rands that were pumped into the concert.

Those who could not see the show should not worry about missing the concert because they missed nothing. Firstly, the venue was empty and the sound was bad, to say the least. Even Brian Mcnight’s show was able to fill the hall to capacity.

The festival started on time with local acts doing curtain-raisers for the international acts. Female singer Lungi was first but she failed dismally on stage.

After her Jozi and Leane performed but still could not shake the crowd. Singer Danny K tried to give the show some life but his voice was swallowed by the sound.

Music lovers began enjoying the concert when American duo Black Violins came on stage. Then music lovers finally saw Fat Joe on stage, giving a rather lukewarm performance. The man who really saved the day was the multi-award winning Akon. He gave a sizzling performance.

MTV Arabia, the region’s first Arabic free-to-air youth entertainment and lifestyle channel, will accompany AKON, the soul superstar, to the Urban Desert Event on April 18 in Dubai festival city.This will be Akon’s second visit to the Middle East—he first performed at the MTV Arabia launch ceremony in November 2007.

The channel offers viewers a chance to “meet and greet” with Akon and FAT JOE, which will be recorded and broadcast on the MTV Arabia screen. They will also have the chance to win free tickets.

“MTV aims to provide opportunities for young Arabs to be at the heart of these major events—we are a media window for the young generation, both in terms of presenting different global cultures in one media space, and allowing them to express their ambitions and aspirations through the MTV Arabia platform,” said Samir Al Marzouki, the Channel Manager of MTV Arab Arabia.

Participants must send a short text message to 2334 (Etisalat) or 4326 (du) with the words “Meet And Greet.” Winners will be selected at random on 16 April.

For more details about the MTV Arabia competition, and for the list of code numbers for participation from the rest of the Arab countries, please visit the Web site www.mtva.com.