Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, known mononymously as Akon, is a Senegalese-American singer, record producer, and entrepreneur. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble, followed by the second single "Lonely".
Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, better known as Akon, was born on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States and is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He grew up in Senegal with his family before moving to the United States at the age of 7. He has released 5 studio albums, including "Trouble," "Konvicted," and "Stadium."
Akon began his music career as a vocalist performing with a group called Konvict Muzik. In 2004 he released his debut album "Trouble" which spawned hits like "Locked Up," "Ghetto," and "Lonely." His sophomore album "Konvicted" was released two years later and featured collaborations with Eminem and Snoop Dogg. The album produced hit singles such as "Smack That" and "I Wanna Love You."
In 2008 he founded his own label KonLive Distribution through Geffen Records. His third album "Freedom" was released in December 2008 and featured the single "Right Now (Na Na Na)" which reached number one on Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. He followed this success with his fourth album titled “Stadium” which included collaborations with Usher and T-Pain.
In addition to music Akon has ventured into business projects such as philanthropy, creating Akon Lighting Africa to bring electricity to parts of Africa using solar energy. He has also collaborated with telecommunications companies to create Wakanda Technologies which provides internet services to businesses in Africa.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1973</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Akon is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On April 16, 1973, Akon was born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Bongo Puru Nacka LuLu LuWilliams in St. Louis, Missouri.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Released 1st Single</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases his first single, "Locked Up" from his debut album, "Trouble."</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2004</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Grammy Nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Akon is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for the song "Lonely" featuring Tami Chynn.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2007</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Launched Konvict Muzik Label</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Launches his own record label, Konvict Muzik.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2008</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Nominated for 5 Grammys</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Akon is nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2010</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Launched Solar Academy</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Launches the Akon Solar Academy to provide free solar energy to villages in Africa.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2014</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Akon Lighting Africa Project Launched</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Launches Akon Lighting Africa project which brings electricity to 15 African countries using solar power.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Visionary</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Akon is a visionary who has made great strides in the music industry. He has been credited with helping to pioneer the hip hop and R&B genres, and has created a unique sound that has captivated millions of people around the world.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's Talented</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Akon is one of the most talented musicians out there. He can sing, rap, produce, and write all of his own songs. He is also an amazing live performer, able to entertain audiences with his incredible showmanship.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's Charitable</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Akon has done a lot for charity. His foundation, Akon Lighting Africa, provides solar energy to African villages that do not have access to electricity. He also helps fund literacy programs in impoverished communities across the continent. </p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Akon is a Multi-Platinum Selling Artist</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Akon is a multi-platinum selling R&B singer, having sold over 35 million albums worldwide.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> From Senegal to the US</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, however his parents are from Senegal and he spent much of his childhood living in West Africa.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Playing Music Since Age 7</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Akon began playing music at the age of 7, when his father taught him to play the drums.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Akon Has His Own Cryptocurrency</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2018, Akon launched his own cryptocurrency called Akoin, which is designed to help boost economic opportunity for people in Africa.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Started His Own Record Label</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2007, Akon founded his own record label Konvict Muzik, which has gone on to sign artists such as Lady Gaga and T-Pain.</p></div>