Akon embargoed at Melbourne stadium: Akon had been added to the bill of R&B festival Summerbeatz, which hits Rod Laver Arena on November 25. However the venue has banned Akon after his gig at sister venue HiSense Arena was marred by violence in October last year. Akon jumped off the stage to break up a fight in the audience between two rival gangs.

Promoter Dwayne Cross toured Akon in April this year, with a gig at the Melbourne Showgrounds going ahead with no problems. However Rod Laver Arena have refused to let Akon play at the venue. Instead the festival will go ahead in Melbourne with Flo Rida, Stan Walker, Ciara, Jay Sean, Travie McCoy and Soulja Boy, with Akon headlining in other states.Cross was disappointed he could not negotiate with the venue.

"Akon will not be performing in Melbourne on the Summerbeatz 2010 Tour. This is due to restrictions put on us by the Melbourne venue Rod Laver Arena. We have toured Akon in Australia many times before and we are extremely disappointed that Melbourne misses out on seeing such an amazing and popular performer, however, this situation is completely out of our hands.”