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Born on April 30, 1973, Aliaune Damala Dakha Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, commonly known as Akon, is a renowned figure in the music industry. His mother was a dancer and his father was a jazz musician, which exposed him to music from an early age.
Akon, whose heritage traces back to Senegal, is a multifaceted artist celebrated for his roles as a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur within the music industry.
After enrolling in university for just one semester in Atlanta, Georgia, Akon chose to follow his musical dreams, prompting his departure. Despite facing a challenging period due to his involvement in car theft, his time in jail became a transformative experience where he immersed himself in music, using it as a source of solace and inspiration.


The release of his debut album ‘Trouble’ in June 2004 marked a turning point in Akon’s life, catapulting him to international fame. The album’s resounding success was underscored by the emergence of hit singles such as ‘Locked Up,’ ‘Bananza (Belly Dance),’ ‘Ghetto,’ and ‘Lonely,’ solidifying Akon’s name in the Industry.
Following the triumph of his debut album, Akon took a bold step forward by establishing his own labels, ‘Kon Live Distribution’ and ‘Konvict Muzic.’ In November 2006, he released his second album, ‘Konvicted,’ under his own imprint. The album further elevated his stature in the music industry, boasting numerous chart-topping singles. ‘Konvicted’ shattered records, earning multiple platinum certifications and solidifying Akon’s position as a dominant force in music. The album also featured notable collaborations, with Eminem joining him on the single ‘Smack That’ and Snoop Dogg on ‘I Wanna Love You.’


In 2008, Akon released his third album, ‘Freedom,’ which showcased a range of hit singles including ‘Right Now -Na Na Na,’ ‘I’m So Paid,’ ‘Beautiful,’ and ‘We Don’t Care.’ The album’s widespread appeal led to its certification as platinum in the United States.
Akon’s repertoire boasts collaborations with music industry giants, showcasing his versatility and influence. Among his notable partnerships, he shared a duet with the legendary pop-star Michael Jackson in ‘Hold My Hand,’ released posthumously in 2009. Additionally, Akon joined forces with the iconic house music sensation David Guetta for the chart-topping track ‘Sexy Bitch.’ Furthermore, he contributed to the success of Lady Gaga’s breakout hit ‘Just Dance,’ co-writing the acclaimed song. These collaborations underscore Akon’s status as a respected and multifaceted artist in the music industry.


Akon’s discography comprises five studio albums, four mixtapes, and one extended play.
In addition to his impressive singing skills, Akon has ventured into the world of acting, making his debut in 2012 in the Nigerian-American film ‘Black November.’ He further showcased his acting prowess alongside Hayden Christensen and Adrien Brody in the action movie ‘American Heist,’ released in 2014. Beyond his contributions to the entertainment industry, Akon has established himself as a successful businessman. He boasts a diverse portfolio of real estate investments and is the proprietor of two renowned clothing lines, namely ‘Aliaune’ and ‘Konvict.’
Akon has released numerous hit songs throughout his career. Some of his most popular and well-known tracks include:


“Lonely”
“Smack That” (feat. Eminem)
“Don’t Matter”
“Beautiful” (feat. Colby O’Donis & Kardinal Offishall)
“Right Now (Na Na Na)”
“I Wanna Love You” (feat. Snoop Dogg)
“Sorry, Blame It on Me”
“Locked Up”
“Ghetto” (feat. Ali B & Yes-R)
“Belly Dancer (Bananza)”
“Criminal”
“Trouble Maker”
“Like I Never Left”
“Oh Africa”


Akon has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. Here are some of his notable awards:
2007 American Music Awards: Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist
2007 Billboard Music Awards: Artist of the Year
2007 Teen Choice Awards: Breakout Artist – Male
2008 BET Hip Hop Awards: Producer of the Year
2009 Ozone Awards: Artist of the Year (USA & UK)
ASCAP Awards: Multiple wins across various categories in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

WCW
MONDAY SPOTLIGHT

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