For someone whose singing career began just five years ago, Akon sure has a lot under his belt: Five Grammy nominations, multi-platinum awards, a record label, a clothing line and a charity foundation—oh, plus a guilty plea for throwing a fan offstage, child support evasion claims and simulation of sex onstage with a 15-year-old girl. Then there are reports that he made up his back story, including a stint in prison that became the basis for some of his songs. With every achievement, a controversy seems not far behind.

SPOT.ph caught up with the controversial, multi-titled celebrity just before his second concert in Manila on October 23, part of the proceeds of which will be donated to typhoon victims:

1. He wants to hear the Pinoy covers of his songs. Akon’s “Right Now (Na Na Na)” became “Sige I-try Mo Aking Banana” and “Bartender” became “Barista.” He hasn’t heard the songs but he thinks it’s flattering that people are doing covers of his songs. “They gotta give me copies before I leave. I’m excited to hear that.”

2. He will never eat balut. “I don’t do delicacies. They never look good. There’s something that ain’t right about it.”