In the mid-2000s, Akon’s voice seemed to be on every other song on the radio. A decade later, he was talking about solar panels in rural Africa.
Aliaune Thiam, known as Akon, has Senegalese roots. His father, Mor Thiam, is a percussionist, and the family moved between Senegal and the United States during his childhood. He settled in New Jersey and later Atlanta.
Locked Up
Akon’s debut album, Trouble, released in 2004, included “Locked Up”, about life in prison, and “Lonely”, built on a sped-up sample of Bobby Vinton’s “Mr. Lonely”. Both were international hits. His second album, Konvicted, released in 2006, included “Smack That” with Eminem and “I Wanna Love You” with Snoop Dogg.
Akon’s distinctive voice and hooks made him one of the most requested featured artists of the era, appearing on songs by many major stars. “I Wanna Love You” and his 2007 single “Don’t Matter” both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and he received several Grammy nominations.
His image as a former convict was part of his branding. In 2008, the website The Smoking Gun published a report suggesting his time behind bars had been far shorter than his songs implied, a story that drew wide attention.
Konvict and Lady Gaga
Akon founded Konvict Muzik and, with KonLive, signed a young Lady Gaga in 2008. He also worked with T-Pain and many others. His role in Gaga’s early career became part of pop history.
Lighting Africa
In 2014, Akon co-founded Akon Lighting Africa with Thione Niang and Samba Bathily. The project aimed to bring solar-powered electricity to communities across Africa without reliable power, installing solar street lights and home systems in several countries.
Akon City
Akon also announced plans for Akon City, a futuristic city in Senegal powered by renewable energy, with its own cryptocurrency. The project drew worldwide attention but has faced long delays, and critics have questioned whether it will be completed as announced.
Senegal
Akon often speaks about his African identity and has promoted investment on the continent. He is a well-known figure in Senegal, where many admire his ambition even as they question the progress of Akon City.
Music today
Akon has continued to release music in different styles, including El Negreeto, a Latin-flavoured album released in 2019.
His hits made him famous. His projects in Africa will decide how he is remembered.
