LAS VEGAS, Dec. 5 U.S. rapper Akon says his upcoming world tour will launch in Africa before moving on to both the United States and Europe.The 25-year-old rapper told Billboard.com his 2007 international tour will also feature supporting acts that will match the current musical trends in each region of the world tour.In addition, the I Wanna Love You rapper confirmed he is playing an integral role in upcoming productions from singers Gwen Stefani and Whitney Houston. I took her back to her 'No Doubt' days a little bit; more '80s, Akon said regarding his work on Stefani ' s single The Sweet Escape.I'm working on more up tempo records for her, the rapper explained of his work with Houston. She's been through a lot and has a dark history. So we have got to make the album brighter because she's come out of the cave now. She wants a celebration. She needs to come back to the old Whitney we remember.Billboard.com said the Lonely rapper would not confirm that he was also working on musical efforts for both music icons Elton John and Michael Jackson. Copyright 2006 by UPI
