Jamaican Teen Debunks Akon’s $1 Million Claim, Cites Safety Concerns

Rushawn Ewears, the Jamaican teenager whose joyful classroom performance of “IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY” went viral and warmed hearts around the world, has publicly refuted claims by international music star Akon that he was gifted $1 million for a remix of the song.

In a video now circulating widely online, Ewears addressed the long-running narrative surrounding Akon’s 2023 release of Beautiful Day, a remix that sampled the teen’s viral vocals. According to Ewears, the story being told about a million-dollar payment is false and dangerously misleading.

“I did not receive any money from anyone except Jermaine Edwards who wrote ‘It’s a Beautiful Day,’” Ewears said in the video. “It was not a demo, and I didn’t receive no one million US dollars from Akon. False statements like these is putting my life in danger.”

Ewears explained that the repeated public claims have created serious safety concerns for him and his family in Jamaica, where perceptions of sudden wealth can expose individuals to threats, extortion or harassment. He called on Akon to stop spreading the narrative, stressing that it has had real-life consequences beyond social media headlines.

While Akon has previously spoken publicly about supporting the young singer, Ewears’ clarification shifts the focus to transparency and accountability in how viral moments, especially those involving minors are monetized and discussed.

Online reactions have been mixed, with many expressing concern for Ewears’ safety and calling for clearer communication from all parties involved. Others have renewed conversations about the ethics of sampling viral content and the responsibilities of established artistes when collaborating directly or indirectly with young creators.

For Ewears, however, the issue is simple. “I just want the truth to be known,” he said, emphasizing that correcting the record is not about controversy, but about protecting his life and peace.

Source: Hypefresh Magazine,