He also founded the Konfidence Foundation with the mission of empowering disadvantaged youth in Africa and the United States. He co-wrote Lady Gaga’s hit song "Just Dance," in addition to producing records for a number of artists.īeyond his work in music, Akon is the owner of two clothing lines-Konvict and Aliaune-and various real estate investments. He also sang with Michael Jackson on the duet "Hold My Hand," which was released in 2009 after Jackson's death. Due to their influence, Akon heard and loved music from an early age.Īkon has also lent his vocals to records by musicians in a wide range of genres, including Whitney Houston, Gwen Stefani and Lionel Richie. Akon’s mother, Kine Thiam, is a dancer his father, Mor Thiam, is a well-known jazz percussionist. His family returned to Dakar, Senegal, in West Africa, when Akon was young and lived there until he was 7 years old, when they moved back to the United States. Louis, Missouri, on April 16, 1973, to African parents. Singer, songwriter and producer Akon was born Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam in St. He has also faced controversy because of his exaggerated criminal history and his occasional provocative behavior on stage. He has released several hit albums that combine his R&B-style vocals with hip-hop beats, and he has collaborated with many other musicians, including Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. He lived in Senegal, West Africa, as a child and attended high school in the United States.
Who Is Akon?Īkon is a Senegalese American singer, songwriter and record producer.
Senegalese American vocalist Akon is known for his R&B-style vocals, which are featured in his own hit songs as well as collaborations with hip-hop artists.