Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), professionally known as simply Akon, is a Senegalese American R&B and hip hop recording artist, songwriter, record producer and businessman. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up”, the first single from his debut album Trouble. He has since founded two successful record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. His second album, “Konvicted” received three nominations for the Grammy Awards in two categories, Best Contemporary R&B Album for “Konvicted” album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Smack That” and “I Wanna Love You”.
Akon was born in Saint-Louis, Senegal, and spent much of his childhood in the West African country Senegal, which he describes as his “hometown.” The child of a dancer mother and a renowned percussionist father, Mor Thiam, Akon learned to play five instruments, including drums and guitar and djembe. At age 7, he moved with his family to Union City, New Jersey, splitting his time between the United States and Senegal until settling in Newark, New Jersey. Growing up in New Jersey, Akon had difficulties getting along with other children. When he and his older brother reached high school, his parents left them on their own in Jersey City and moved the rest of the family to Atlanta, Georgia.
Despite having to grow up without the guidance of his parents, he has been able to develop and grow as an artist and businessman and one of the top personalities in the world. Here he gives and interview on how he manages his millions.
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