From the smash hit single “Smack That” to the chart topping hit “Don’t Matter”, Akon has indeed reached superstar status after the release of his second album, “Konvicted”. The Akon phenomenon ruled not only the US charts, but on other countries as well, which include UK, Germany, France, Canada and Australian charts. He is also well-known in doing collaborations with famous artists such as Gwen Stefani (for “The Sweet Escape”) and T-Pain (for “Bartender”), two of which are among the 21 songs that conquered the Billboard Hot 100 chart to his credit. If you are an Akon fan, watch out for his upcoming performance at the Superbowl 42 halftime show, so get ready to buy your tickets and Akon will surely rock the stadium down.
Though this has yet to be verified at this time, some sources claim that Akon was born by the name of Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam. Other sources say it is Aliaune Thiam or Alioune Badara Thiam, but to adoring fans this does not really matter. Mor Thiam, who is a Senegalist percussionist, is Akon’s father. Akon was born a Muslim in Missouri but spent his early years in Senegal then permanently moved to Jersey City, New Jersey at the age of 15. Akon’s current age is still uncofirmed, though there were reports that claim he is already 35 years old, but magazine interviews say otherwise that he is around 25 or 26.
He began to write songs at the age of 15, with “Operations of Nature” as his first recorded track. Though he was subsequently put in jail due to drug distribution and armed robbery charges, this did not stop Akon from working on his music. He began recording his tracks on his home studio after his release from jail, and paved the way for his first debut album “Trouble” in June 2004. His ticket to fame did not end there as this was followed by the release of his second album “Konvicted” in November 2006.
This Senegalese-American R&B and hip hop singer / rapper, songwriter, and record producer did not only dominate the charts but various music awards as well. He is up for four Grammy’s this year with “Konvicted” as Best R&B Contemporary Album. He also won the hearts of many from “sold-out ticket” performances and concerts in the US and around the globe.
Akon is currently on tour and performed at Nassau Colliseum, Uniondale, NY last January 4, 2008 with yet another hit ticket-runout concert. He is set to perform at the Solo Nightclub, Philadelphia, PA on January 18, 2008 so make sure to grab your tickets ahead of time before it’s too late.
