Akon is a name that every music lover today has heard of. The Son Of Africa is known for his creative genius, unparalleled charm, and hypnotic good looks.
From 2004 to 2017, he continued to top the billboard charts and won countless awards in the music industry – becoming someone who proved his worth not only as a musician but also as a producer and businessman. But then, all of a sudden, he disappeared from the horizon of American Music. Why? What happened to Akon, and when will he be back?
The Childhood Of Akon
Akon’s birth name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, and while he was born in St Louis, Missouri, he grew up in Senegal, Africa. At the age of 7, he moved with his family once again to New Jersey.
At this age, he faced many difficulties getting along with the other kids of the typical New Jersey culture. His father was a percussionist, and his mother was a dancer – exposed to the environment of Music and performance arts, little Akon became great at 5 distinct instruments, including the guitar and drums.
When he started high school, he and his brother were left behind by their parents and the rest of their siblings, who then moved to Atlanta. In 2003, Akon met with the president of Upfront Megatainment, Devyne Stephens, who trained him to perform professionally. He was also given many lessons on the music industry and its complexities during that time.
Becoming A Sensational Musician
He recorded the single “Lonely” with Stephens, which got the attention of SRC Records. Jerome Foster said, “This kid is official – this is a huge record.” Soon, Akon released his debut album titled Trouble (the album came out on 29th June 2004); most of the songs in this album became a massive success because of the unique composition and hooking lyrics that he combined with incredible speed and fluency. The set included classics like “Locked Up,” “Lonely,” “Bananza,” and “Ghetto”.
After this, he moved on to start his record label under Interscope Records known as KonLive Distribution and, at the same time, prepared for his November 26 release Konvicted, which debuted at second number on the Billboard 200, selling about 286000 copies in the first week alone! Not only was Akon a successful musician he was also an efficient collaborator and managed to work with Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
His third album, Freedom, came out with the four singles “Beautiful”, “We Don’t Care,” “Right Now,” and “I’m So Paid.” He was working with Michael Jackson before his death and released a tribute song to commemorate him, which was titled “Cry Out Of Joy.” Akon has also written and produced music for other boy bands, singers, and rappers during his time. He has been reported to have grossed 13 million USD in 2011, 21 million USD in 2010, and 20 million USD in 2009 from his music.
Where Is Akon Now?
Akon has disappeared today from the American Music scene, but he is very much present in people’s hearts. The phenomenal creator has moved to Africa and started his own Akon Lighting Project that successfully provides electricity in 15 countries in Africa.
He is also the founder of the Konfidence Foundation charity for unprivileged children in Africa. He has also started many other small and big businesses in South and West Africa, including mining projects. In 2018, he started working with the Senegal government to build a tourist city known as Akon City, after his own name, and the project was finalized on 13th January 2020.
According to Akon, his career was supposed to be more than just the life of a musician. He always dreamed of being a philanthropist who could use his music to gain financial freedom and ability for himself and his people. In the meantime, he continues to create one or two pieces of music here and there and seems to live a life of happiness and constant success.
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