Akon tried to stop a concert in Australia from descending into violence by leaping offstage and ordering brawling fans to "calm down".

The R&B star was performing at Melbourne's HiSense Arena as part of his co-headlining gig with T-Pain when rival gangs began fighting, prompting Akon to halt the show. Fan footage posted on YouTube.com shows Akon forcing his way through the rowdy throng and shouting for order into his microphone.

He was then lifted onto fans' shoulders, where he told the crowd, "It took me almost two years for Australia to let me back in the country. And I'm not going to let them f**k up my concert tonight!"

Immigration officials Down Under have previously refused the Smack That star entrance into the country over his past run-ins with the law. Reports indicate Akon's walk through the crowd failed to put an end to the fighting and only riled fans even further.

Australian authorities have confirmed at least 18 people received medical treatment, including two security guards, while nine were taken to hospital.

A man was arrested after allegedly attacking a member of the security crew while another six people have filed assault reports.

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Image ©PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)