Fresh fade, jet ski safari: Hip Hop stars enjoy down time in Queensland ahead of Fridayz Live

From hair cuts to jet ski rides, hip-hop stars Macklemore and Akon have been spotted enjoying a day off in Queensland as the Fridayz Live tour heads to Brisbane

Hip-hop stars Macklemore and Akon have been out and about supporting local businesses across Brisbane and the Gold Coast ahead of their Fridayz Live performance at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Akon and his team were spotted soaking up the sun on the Gold Coast, with the singer going on a jetski tour near Main Beach alongside his wife AMirror.

RNB legend Akon and wife AMirror spotted enjoying a jet ski tour on the Gold Coast. Photo: Jet Ski Safaris Gold Coast.

Jet Ski Safaris Gold Coast spokesman revealed their team had no idea the superstar had even booked a tour, having made the booking under his legal name Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam.

“Akon came down yesterday to join us on our 1.5hr Island Safari, and we had no idea until he came in that he had even booked. He used his full name which we obviously didn’t recognise” they said.

The RNB legend reportedly even mingled among other customers, rather than opting for a private booking.

“Usually with celebs, they like to give us pre-warning and we have been known to shut shop for the day or close sessions so they can have a private tour and not be mixed with the general public as we find they like to be able to relax,” the spokesman said.

“When they came in, it was very chill, they didn’t make a big fuss, you wouldn’t even blink an eye if you passed them walking down the street as they don’t draw attention to themselves at all.”

“They sat through our safety briefing with all the other general people on our safari, answered the same test, stood in line to get their jackets and everything”.

R&Bstar Akon and his team spotted on a jetski tour on the Gold Coast. Photo: Facebook – Jet Ski Safaris Gold Coast

Hip-hop star Macklemore was also spotted getting a fresh haircut at Mr Brooks Barber in Brisbane City on Wednesday ahead of headlining the RNB Fridays show at Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday.

The Thrift Shop singer surprised staff, having not made a booking and patiently waiting line with other customers.

“It was a very pleasant surprise for us — he didn’t book an appointment with us he just walked in and waited for his turn, seated like normal people,” master barber Dan said.

“We didn’t recognise him at first since he was wearing glasses and a hat but then when he took it off, we recognised him”.

Hip-Hop superstar Macklemore spotted getting a 'fresh fade' at Brisbane barber Mr Brooks Barber. Photo: Mr Brooks Barber

Some fans who were lucky enough to walk by the store also got some photos with the star.

“Some fans asked to come inside to take a picture with him and he had no issues with it, he was very nice, we also asked him to take a picture of him for our social media and she accepted very happy.”

“He is a very simple a nice guy, it was a pleasure to have him”.

The return of international tours after the pandemic pause has given a boost to music fans and local businesses.

It comes after UK pop star Dua Lipa was seen cuddling koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and dining at Brisbane local restaurant Gemelli Italian in Fortitude Valley.