Akon

Who Is Akon?

Akon, born Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, is a Senegalese American singer, songwriter, and record producer renowned for his distinctive blend of R&B vocals and hip-hop influences. Having spent his early childhood in Senegal, Akon later moved to the United States for his education. Over his career, he has released multiple hit albums and collaborated with an array of notable artists, including Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson. Despite his musical success, Akon has also faced controversy, particularly regarding his embellished accounts of a criminal history and his occasionally provocative stage presence.

Early Life

Akon was born on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, to African parents. His family returned to Dakar, Senegal, during his early childhood, where he lived until the age of seven before relocating back to the United States. Akon’s mother, Kine Thiam, is a dancer, while his father, Mor Thiam, is a celebrated jazz percussionist. This rich musical heritage profoundly influenced Akon, instilling in him a deep passion for music from a young age. After growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey, he began singing and performing during his teenage years. Akon briefly attended Clark Atlanta University in Georgia before leaving to pursue a career in music. His dedication led him to make home recordings and cultivate a friendship with Wyclef Jean of the Fugees, ultimately earning him a record deal in 2003.

Musical Success and Collaborations

Akon’s debut album, Trouble, released in 2004, showcased his melodic R&B-style vocals alongside hip-hop beats, yielding hit singles like “Locked Up” and “Lonely.” His sophomore album, Konvicted (2006), achieved even greater acclaim, producing chart-topping singles, including collaborations with Eminem on “Smack That” and Snoop Dogg on “I Wanna Love You.” Akon’s third album, Freedom (2008), while still successful, did not reach the same heights as its predecessors. Throughout his career, he has contributed his vocals to various artists across multiple genres, including Whitney Houston, Gwen Stefani, and Lionel Richie. Notably, he collaborated with Michael Jackson on the posthumous duet “Hold My Hand,” released in 2009, and co-wrote Lady Gaga’s breakout hit “Just Dance.”

Beyond his music career, Akon is an entrepreneur, owning two clothing lines—Konvict and Aliaune—and investing in real estate. He also founded the Konfidence Foundation, dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth in both Africa and the United States.

Controversy and Criminal History

Akon’s career has not been without controversy. In 2008, it was revealed that he had misrepresented aspects of his criminal background, claiming he had operated a car-theft ring and written his first album during a three-year prison sentence. In reality, he had served only a few months in jail in 1998 for possessing a stolen car, with charges eventually dropped.

In addition to these revelations, Akon encountered legal troubles in 2007 when he threw a fan off the stage during a concert in Poughkeepsie, New York. That same year, he faced backlash for inappropriate behavior with an underage girl during a performance in Trinidad and Tobago. His decision to invest in an African diamond mine also sparked criticism, further complicating his public image.