Akon
Akon is a Senegalese-American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman. He is one of the most successful and influential artists in the world, with over 35 million albums sold and over 300 guest appearances on songs by other artists. He is also known for his philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors, such as his solar power project Akon Lighting Africa and his futuristic city Akon City. He really is a legend in Africa and the world
Akon was born as Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, to African parents. His mother, Kine Gueye Thiam, was a dancer, and his father, Mor Thiam, was a jazz percussionist. He grew up in Senegal until he was seven years old, when his family moved back to the United States. He lived in Newark, New Jersey, where he attended high school and college.
Akon developed a passion for music at a young age, influenced by his parents and by artists such as Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and Jay-Z. He started singing and performing as a teenager, and also learned to play several instruments, such as drums, guitar, and djembe. He also got involved in petty crimes and spent some time in jail.
In 2003, he signed a record deal with SRC and Universal Motown Records after his friend Wyclef Jean introduced him to music executive Devyne Stephens. He released his debut album Trouble in 2004, which featured the hit singles “Locked Up” and “Lonely”. The album was a commercial and critical success, earning him several awards and nominations.
His second album Konvicted was released in 2006, which was even more successful than his first one. The album featured collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Styles P, and T-Pain. The singles “Smack That”, “I Wanna Love You”, and “Don’t Matter” all reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album sold over five million copies worldwide and received three Grammy Award nominations.
His third album Freedom was released in 2008, which showcased his versatility and growth as an artist. The album featured songs in different genres, such as pop, rock, reggae, and R&B. The lead single “Right Now (Na Na Na)” was a global hit, followed by other singles such as “Beautiful”, “I’m So Paid”, and “We Don’t Care”. The album sold over three million copies worldwide.
Akon has also been a prolific producer and songwriter for other artists, such as Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, Whitney Houston,