Akon

Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, known as Akon, was born on April 16, 1973, in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, to Senegalese parents.

Raised in a musical environment, he learned to play several instruments, including the djembe. He lived in Dakar until the age of seven, then split his time between the United States and Senegal before permanently settling in Jersey City at fifteen.

His father is Senegalese jazz drummer and percussionist Mor Thiam.

Akon broke through in 2004 with the single Locked Up from his debut album Trouble, followed by the hit Lonely.

His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single Smack That in collaboration with Eminem. He released the album Freedom in 2008.

He founded the record labels Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution, as well as the clothing line Konvict Clothing.

Known for his numerous collaborations (over 300), he has more than 40 songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and is the first solo artist to have simultaneously held the top two positions twice.

He has received six Grammy Award nominations and has produced hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis, and Leona Lewis.

His distinctive singing on choruses places him among the most accomplished R&B singers of the 21st century.

He is also listed under the alias Aliaune "Akon" Thiam.