Right Now (Na Na Na)
by Akon

Album: Freedom (2008)
Charted: 6 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song Akon is wanting to make up with his lady, whose heart he broke.
  • This was written and co-produced by Akon. Giorgio Tuinfort also has a production credit. Tuinfort has collaborated with Akon before, including on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape" and Nelly's "Body On Me."
  • This was the first single to be taken from the Sengalese singer's third album Freedom.
  • Akon told Artist Direct about this song: "The story is more so about me being in a present relationship, but I'm reminiscing on a relationship from back in the day—the beginning, early on before the success. Around that time, the relationship is just completely raw. You have nothing to lose. You just have some fun. You're doing so much that in a way you feel like, 'Maybe these are my last days,' so you just have complete fun. That was even the concept for the video. Whereas now with my current relationship, everything is cool. I've got money now, but my lady is also rich, and she's more conservative. So it's about a lot of things she wouldn't normally do because of her status and so on and so forth. It's about a lot of things from your past relationships that you miss. You're like, 'Damn, I wish I never really broke up. I wish I could just link up and do the things that we used to do.'"
  • This track, like several others on the album, has an electronic European club feel. Akon explained to Blues and Soul magazine why he adopted the Euro-Dance sound: "That was always a feel I wanted to go for. But of course we've had to take time to slowly groom the US to that sound, because over there the club scene is different. It's been the same for the past 10 years - to the point where it's now getting boring - whereas here in London it's much more open to different types of music. But, having said that, I also then have the problem that that sound is still not being completely accepted by black radio in the US. In fact, I'm probably the only artist that's getting that kinda radio play over there right now with that kinda record. And that's only because the fan-base I've established over the years are actually calling to request the record. Whereas I think, had it just been down to the urban radio stations alone, they probably still would have shied away from it. Because it's not the kinda music they normally play. Whereas I feel that, in order for the MUSIC to expand, the STATIONS should expand their selection as well. They really need to allow people to discover music they wouldn't normally discover."

Comments: 1

  • Siahara Shyne Carter from United StatesThe paradoy of this song sucks and gross "I DIDN'T GIVE A THUMPS UP" Some people have problem



see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?