MUMBAI: MTV Arabia, the Middle East's leading music and entertainment channel, and Virgin Radio, the most popular English radio stations of the UAE youth, today announced their sponsorship of Emmy Music Awards winner Akon's live concert at the Palladium in Dubai Media City.

MTV Arabia is part of Arabian Television Network (ATN), the television arm of Arab Media Group, while Virgin Radio comes under the Arabian Radio Network of the same group.

Featuring as part of the R&B singer-songwriter's Middle East tour, the Dubai concert is scheduled for 21 May and also see Lebanese singer Mellissa and world renowned Dutch DJ-producer Fedde Le Grand taking centre-stage.

As part of their commitment to be in the heart of the most important music events in the Arab region, MTV Arabia and Virgin Radio provided a chance to their audience to win tickets to the concert, through a competition that was aired on MTV Arabia and Virgin Radio.

The contest that also offers an exclusive lunch opportunity with Akon, ended today. Winners over the age of 16 years will be selected randomly among the contest participants.

Samr Al Marzouqi, Channel Manager of MTV Arabia, 'We are delighted to be offering our viewers a chance to get up close and personal with their favourite artiste, Akon. MTV is committed to providing young people access to the best international and local musical talent and our viewers can look forward to many more exciting concerts in the near future.'

Mahmoud Al Rasheed, General Manager of ARN, said, 'Through extending our audience the chance to attend concerts that feature some of their most loved international superstars, we are fulfilling our strategy to enhance Virgin Radio's status as the best English station for the UAE youth.'

MTV Arabia is hosting the international superstar Akon for the third time in Dubai. His first appearance in the Middle East was the MTV Arabia opening ceremony in November 2007, following which he was part of the Urban Desert Event in mid 2008.

Of Senegalese origin, Akon rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of 'Locked Up', the first single from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single 'Smack That'. He has since founded two record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution.

Akon is currently accredited with over 155 guest appearances and 23 Billboard Hot 100 songs. He is the first solo artist to accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice.