Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, known professionally as Akon, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was born on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, to Senegalese parents. He spent part of his childhood in Senegal before his family returned to the United States, where he grew up in New Jersey.
Akon began his professional recording career in the early 2000s and rose to international prominence following the release of his debut single Locked Up featuring Styles P in 2004. The song preceded his debut studio album Trouble, which also produced the international hit Lonely and established his signature blend of R&B, hip-hop, and West African musical influences.
His second studio album, Konvicted, released in 2006, became one of the defining projects of his career. It featured major international singles including Smack That featuring Eminem and I Wanna Love You featuring Snoop Dogg. Konvicted reached number two on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album, while several of its songs also received Grammy nominations.
Akon followed with Freedom in 2008, which included Right Now (Na Na Na), I’m So Paid featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, and Beautiful featuring Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall. Beyond his own recordings, he became one of the most prominent collaborators and producers of his era, working with artists from different parts of the world and helping develop artists through his record-label ventures.
Akon’s influence extends beyond his recordings. Through his work as a songwriter, producer, label executive, and collaborator, he has played a significant role in connecting African and Western popular music audiences. He is also associated with initiatives focused on African development and has remained active in promoting African music and business internationally.
