Akon is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he moved to Senegal with his family when he was seven and returned to the United States when he was 14. Akon’s true name is Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam.

Akon began his career in music as part of a group called ‘Konvict Muzik’ in 2002. He released his first album ‘Trouble’ in 2004, debuting at #2 on the US Billboard 200 and reaching #1 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album spawned the singles “Locked Up”, “Lonely”, and “Bananza (Belly Dancer)”, which all reached the top 10 in the US.

From 2005 to 2010, Akon released four albums, including his double-platinum album ‘Konvicted’. Singles from the album include “Smack That” featuring Eminem, “Don’t Matter”, “I Wanna Love You” featuring Snoop Dogg, and “Beautiful” featuring Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall.

Throughout his career, Akon has collaborated with a range of artists such as Michael Jackson, Gwen Stefani, T-Pain, Leona Lewis, and Lionel Richie. He has also had several successful international hits, including the South African smash hit “Lonely”, as well as the Spanish hit “Te Quiero Amar”.

In 2010, Akon launched his own label, Konvict Muzik, and signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group. In the same year, he created his own charity, Konfidence Foundation, dedicated to helping underprivileged children in Africa and the United States.

Akon has received numerous awards and nominations, including five Grammy Award nominations, four BET Award nominations, two MTV Video Music Award nominations, and a Billboard Music Award. He has also been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the artist with the most number-ones in a year.

Akon continues to make music and tour the world. He is an avid philanthropist, having donated over $1 million to various charitable causes. He is also an entrepreneur, having invested in a range of businesses. Akon is an inspiration to many aspiring singers and musicians, and his career serves as a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.