Singer and Song writer World
Description of Work:
Akon is the founder of Konvict Muzik and Ken Live Distribution. He has recorded under labels Universal, SRC, UpFront and his own Konvict Muzik. Akon rose to fame in June 2004 with hit single "Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble. His second album Konvicted earned him a grammy nomination for the hit single "Smack That." Akon is currently the only artist to ever accomplish holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Top 100 Charts twice. Akon has taken on other endeavors beyond his music. In February 2007 he launched his own clothing line Konvict Clothing. Akon has his own charity for under privledged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation. Akon owns a diamond mine is South Africa and has been quoted as saying he does not believe in the existence of conflict diamonds. Akon has also confirmed a reality show in the works an appearence in a full length film.
Aliuane Badara Thiam now popularly known as Akon is a Wolof Senegalese American born in St. Louis Missouri. He is the son of famed Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam. His family decided he should be born in the US as to avoid the immigration process. At age seven Akon moved from St. Louis to New Jersey where he would begin to split him time between the US and Senegal until the age of fifteen.

Akon was raised and continues to practice Islam.

Akon was sentenced to prison after being convicted of grand theft auto. During his time in jail he began to explore and discover his musical abilities as he developed a new appreciation for his musical upbringing. His experience inspired him to immediately start recording music at his release. Akon's unique blend of West African style vocals and hip-hop lyracism quickly attracted the attention of Universal Record executives.

Currently Akon splits his time between Atlanta, Georgia and Dakar, Senegal.