Akon
Biography
Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, known by his stage name Akon, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur of Senegalese descent. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 16, 1973, to a family of musicians. His father, Mor Thiam, was a percussionist, and his mother, Kine Thiam, was a dancer. Akon spent his early childhood in Senegal before moving to the United States. His musical background and unique blend of West African rhythms with R&B and hip-hop have significantly influenced his sound.
Musical Career
2004–2005: Breakthrough with "Trouble"
Akon's career took off with the release of his debut single "Locked Up" in 2004, which quickly became a street anthem and charted in the top 10 in the U.S. and the U.K. This was followed by his debut album "Trouble," which was released on June 29, 2004. The album featured other hit singles like "Lonely," "Belly Dancer (Bananza)," "Pot of Gold," and "Ghetto." "Lonely" became a worldwide hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The album's success was rooted in its blend of street-oriented tracks and more commercial songs, a strategy that proved to be highly effective.
2006–2008: "Konvicted" and Global Stardom
Akon's second album, "Konvicted," released on November 14, 2006, solidified his status as a global superstar. The album featured collaborations with high-profile artists like Eminem on "Smack That" and Snoop Dogg on "I Wanna Love You." Both singles were major hits, with "I Wanna Love You" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album also included the hit "Don't Matter," which also topped the charts. "Konvicted" was a commercial success, selling over 6 million copies worldwide and earning Akon a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
2008: "Freedom"
His third studio album, "Freedom," was released on December 2, 2008. This album marked a shift towards a more pop and dance-oriented sound. Notable singles from the album include "Right Now (Na Na Na)," "I'm So Paid" featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, and "Beautiful" featuring Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall. The album debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, showcasing Akon's continued commercial appeal.
Business and Philanthropy
Beyond his music career, Akon has established himself as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded his record labels, Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution, which have launched the careers of artists like T-Pain and Lady Gaga.
Akon Lighting Africa
In 2014, Akon co-founded the Akon Lighting Africa project. The initiative aims to provide electricity to African countries through solar energy. The project has been active in over 14 countries and has implemented numerous small-scale solar projects. The initiative also includes the Solektra Solar Academy in Mali to train local engineers and entrepreneurs in solar technology.
Akon City
Akon is also developing Akon City, a futuristic city in Senegal. The project aims to be a sustainable and eco-friendly metropolis with a cryptocurrency-based economy, utilizing his own cryptocurrency, Akoin.
Recent Activities
Akon continues to be active in the music industry, releasing new music and collaborating with various artists. In recent years, he has explored different genres, including Latin music and Afrobeats with his albums "El Negreeto" and "Akonda" in 2019. He has also released several singles in 2024 and 2025, including "Akon's Beautiful Day" and "Never Really Mattered." He has also experimented with a country and hip-hop fusion in his song "Hold The Umbrella" featuring Gary LeVox and De La Ghetto.