Biography

Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam (born 16 April 1973), whose professional name is Akon, is a celebrated American-Senegalese rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, businessman, and actor. He has Senegalese ancestry. He gained notoriety in 2004 following the release of the song Locked Up off his self-titled debut album. 

He has always appreciated his family’s musical heritage, which enabled him to succeed in the American music industry despite being born into an African musical family. 

In the United States, Akon attended high school in New Jersey before being expelled for violating the rules. He became acquainted with hip-hop in Jersey City while mingling with the local roughnecks.

Because of his bravery and combat prowess, he gained popularity throughout the squad. Even yet, he was repeatedly imprisoned for robbery and drug distribution. He managed to write his songs while leading a hard life and engaging in controversial behavior. 

Akon was able to change his life because of his enthusiasm and abiding love for music. His love for hip-hop music and culture gradually blossomed after he began his musical career playing various percussion instruments. 

He has won numerous honors for his albums over his career. Working with well-known musicians like Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie allowed him to produce several successes.

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Akon
Akon: History • Bio • Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam
Stage Name:	Akon
Born:	16 April 1973 (age 50 years old)
Place of Birth:	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Nationality:	Senegalese, America
Height:	1.78 m
Parents:	Kine Gueye Thiam, Mor Thiam
Siblings:	Abou Thiam
Wife • Spouse:	Rosina Bruck (div.), Tomeka Thiam
Girlfriend • Partner:	Nicole Bahls (2010-2011), Cassie Griffin (2009-2010), Rachel Ritfeld (2007-2008), Michaela Schaffrath (2005-2006), Foxy Brown, Celina Powell (2018), Amber Rose (2017)
Children:	Alioune Thiam, Alianna Thiam, Jhavor Thiam, Journey Thiam
Occupation:	Singer • Businessman
Net Worth:	US$80 million

Early Life & Education

Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, the son of dancer Kine Gueye Thiam (mother) and traditional jazz musician Mor Thiam (father), was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 16, 1973. He has a brother named Abou Thiam.

Soon after he was born, his parents relocated to Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, where they remained for 7 years. The couple relocated to Jersey City with their family after returning to the country. His parents left him with his older brother in Jersey City when he started high school and went to Atlanta, Georgia, with the rest of the family.

Akon was an unruly teen who frequently flouted the rules of the classroom. He struggled with other kids and eventually began hanging around with the local rowdies. He grew up with strong enthusiasm and a love for music because of the musical impact of his family. During his formative years, he mastered the guitar, drums, djembe, and five other instruments.

His love and passion for music helped him turn his life around despite hanging out with criminals in New Jersey. As a teenager, he started singing and performing. He later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, but dropped out after one semester. He began concentrating only on music after quitting the university.

He began by recording music at home. In the meanwhile, he grew close to Wyclef Jean of the Fugees. Akon finally inked his record deal in 2003.

Career

Akon‘s life changed when his debut album, “Trouble,” was released in June 2004. He almost immediately rose to fame around the world. Numerous successful songs from the album, including “Locked Up,” “Bananza (Belly Dance),” “Ghetto,” and “Lonely,” were produced. After his debut album was a hit, he founded his labels, “Kon Live Distribution” and “Konvict Muzic.” In November 2006, he used his label to release his second album, “Konvicted.”

His reputation grew due to the numerous hit singles contained in “Konvicted.” By receiving numerous platinum awards, the album shattered numerous records. Famous musicians made cameos on the album; Eminem appeared in the tune “Smack That,” and Snoop Dogg appeared in “I Wanna Love You.”

2008 saw the release of his third album, “Freedom.” Four singles were released from the album: “Right Now -Na Na Na,” “I’m So Paid,” “Beautiful,” and “We Don’t Care.”

Akon has worked with well-known musicians like Gwen Stefani, Whitney Houston, and Lionel Richie. He co-wrote the well-known song “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga.

Along with the late music icon Michael Jackson, he sang the duet “Hold My Hand.” After Michael Jackson‘s passing in 2009, the music was made public. Additionally, he collaborated on the song “Sexy Bitch” by renowned house music legend David Guetta.

Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor appeared in the Hindi film “Ra.One,” in which Akon performed the song “Chammak Challo” for the soundtrack.

Akon has established himself as a successful actor in addition to being a fantastic singer. In the Nigerian-American movie “Black November,” which was released in 2012, he made his acting debut. In the 2014 action film “American Heist,” he collaborated with Adrien Brody and Hayden Christensen.

Akon‘s fourth album, “Stadium,” was released in 2015. In late 2015 and early 2016, the album was also made available in five distinct genres (euro, pop, urban, island, and global). He participated in the Chinese reality TV program “I Am a Singer” in April 2016 alongside Taiwanese singer Jeff Chang.

In the latter part of 2017, he issued a joint mixtape titled “Konvict Kartel Vol. 2.”

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He released the Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA on his first Latin song, “Get Money,” in 2019. He also released “Cómo No” that year, which featured Becky G, a Mexican-American singer.

His success extends beyond the entertainment and music industries. He has developed into a highly successful businessman over the years. Along with owning two well-known clothing brands, Aliaune and Konvict, he owns several real estate ventures.

Additionally, he established the Konfidence Foundation. The organization’s major goal is to support underprivileged youngsters in the US and Africa.

David Guetta and Akon‘s single “Sexy Bitch” reached number one in more than six nations.

Awards & Achievements

Akon received the “Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist” honor at the “American Music Awards” in 2007. At the “Billboard Music Awards,” he also took home the “Artist of the Year” honor. He received the “Teen Choice Award” for “Breakout Artist – Male” that same year.

He received the “BET Hip Hop Award” for “Producer of the Year” in 2008.
He received the “Ozone” award in 2009 for “Artist of the Year (USA & UK).”

In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, he received “ASCAP Awards” in various categories.

Personal Life

Akon has always kept the prying eyes off of his family. He says he has fathered six kids by three different women. He owns a diamond mine in South Africa and operates a charity called “Konfidence” for poor kids.

He has been embroiled in several disputes and has faced many legal problems. Because of his involvement with a car theft ring, he is thought to have spent three years in prison between 1999 and 2002.

Akon was charged with a crime after throwing a fifteen-year-old child off the stage after a concert in 2007. He received backlash in April 2007 for engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior with a teen girl in a Trinidad and Tobago bar.

In 2018, Akon‘s “serious thought” of running for president in the 2020 US election garnered media attention.

Akon was previously married to Rosina Bruck. He is married to Tomeka Thiam.

Tomeka Thiam is said to have birthed two youngsters (a kid and a young lady) named Alioune Thiam and Alianna Thiam for Akon, while different reports have it that the hair specialist has another two kids (a kid and a young lady) for the vocalist named Jhavor Thiam and Journey Thiam, expanding the youngsters’ number to four.

He has been in a dating relationship with Nicole Bahls (2010-2011), Cassie Griffin (2009-2010), Rachel Ritfeld (2007-2008), Michaela Schaffrath (2005-2006) and Foxy Brown.

Akon has encountered Celina Powell (2018) and Amber Rose (2017).

Net Worth

Akon‘s net worth is estimated to be US$80 million. This wealth is gotten from his music career, endorsements and businesses.

Social Media

• Facebook: @/AKON/
• Twitter: @Akon
• Instagram: @Akon