Akiko Wada to sing at Apollo Theater in New York

Sunday 04th May, 06:53 AM JST

TOKYO —

Singer Akiko Wada, 58, will sing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York on Sep 29 to mark the 40th anniversary of her showbiz debut in Japan.

Wada, who is a R&B singer and big Ray Charles fan, said, “I’m very happy to be able to sing on the same stage where so many famous musicians have preformed so far. When I visited the theater four years ago, I prayed that one day I would perform there. I hope I don’t disappoint the locals.”

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12 Comments

blvtzpk at 09:06 AM JST - 4th May

Akiko, just watch out for that hook.
dr_jones at 11:14 AM JST - 4th May

That woman(?) needs a new hairdo!
rjd_jr at 01:06 PM JST - 4th May

Wow, that is a true honor for her to be able to sing at the legendary Apollo Theater. So many amazing artists and individuals have performed on that very stage. I'm wishing her success.
rjd_jr at 02:07 PM JST - 4th May

She's not too bad of a singer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3NLDwS1CcY
rjdsr at 03:12 PM JST - 4th May

That was ok, but not on the level to perform at the Apollo, especially with the bad pronunciation. She'll just be a curiosity.
wanderlust at 03:20 PM JST - 4th May

Dr.Jones - she really IS a woman, though of Korean descent, which she hid in her early days to enable her to succeed, especially as she was a larger lady.
PuffinMuffin at 03:27 PM JST - 4th May

well she has some voice range (RI-BU NIJU ICHI!) but as for style...gomen da
citykids at 09:49 PM JST - 4th May

I hope they will tape the performance, I'd love to see her.
Bogi at 12:16 PM JST - 5th May

Is it true that the "locals" boo artists they don't think are good enough to be on that stage? If so, I don't like her chances...
rjd_jr at 02:21 PM JST - 5th May

This isn't the typical 'Showtime at the Apollo' talent show. She's a special guest and this has nothing to do with being booed off the stage. She'll do fine, the audience at the Apollo outside of those talent shows have a lot of class so no worries.
thepossum at 12:10 AM JST - 6th May

No she won't be booed off the stage. Because, the vast majority in attendance will be Japanese ! New York has the worlds largest Japanese community outside of Japan. No real mystery here... she's going to perform in New York to Japanese fans, hell the Americans could care less I'm sure !
Nessie at 10:31 AM JST - 6th May

No she won't be booed off the stage. Because, the vast majority in attendance will be Japanese ! New York has the worlds largest Japanese community outside of Japan.

Yeah, all the Japanese living in Harlem will be there, Possum. Both of them.