What happened to Akon? The Philanthropist’s Journey from a Great Singer.

Badara Aliaune Singer Akon Thiam is Senegalese-American. Raised in New Jersey, Akon became the most famous singer of the 2000s to 2013s, selling songs worldwide and topping billboard charts.

Millennials and Gen Z remember his songs from childhood. Akon’s song, which commanded music playlists and captivated everyone, disappeared after 2013. Akon’s disappearance shocked the music industry.

This article tells the story of the best singer who soared to Hollywood fame, recorded hits, and made a career-changing decision.

Akon Rising:

Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 16, 1973. He was raised in Senegal, Africa. Akon and his family moved to New Jersey at 7. His parents were dancer Kine Gueye Thiam and drummer Mor Thiam. Akon played drums, guitar, and djembe.

Akon and his older brother were left in Newark, New Jersey, when they entered high school and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Akon attended William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City.

Discovering Akon:

In 2003–2004, Upfront Megatainment CEO Devyne Stephens met Akon when rapper Lil Zane brought him to Stephens’ rehearsal space. Stephens mentored Akon in the music industry.

Universal’s imprint SRC Records discovered Akon’s Stephens tunes. Records noticed “Locked up” and “Lonely,” which became worldwide hits in 2005 and boosted his music career.

Lonely, his biggest hit globally, reached the Top 5 on Billboard Hot 100 and Top 1 in Australia, the UK, and Germany. In April 2005, Locked Up topped the UK charts. This song topped the charts for 15 weeks in numerous countries.

Konvicted, Freedom, and Stadium followed in 2006–2010 for Akon. “I Wanna Love You” by Akon and Snoop Dogg was another US number one for two weeks. “Don’t Matter,” his third song, became his first solo number-one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart-topper in January 2007.

Akon released more singles and collaborations. Akon fans globally preferred his music career. After 2012, Akon stopped making albums and faded from the spotlight.

Beginnings:

Akon withdrew from the music scene from 2013 until 2018. Akon dedicated his time and money to “lighting Africa” this year.

Akon became an entrepreneur and philanthropist, providing electricity and infrastructure to Africans. Lighting Africa served 15 nations and founded Akon’s Konfidence Foundation for poor African children.

Akon created his City 50 km from Dakar with the Senegalese government in 2018. (capital of Senegal). Tourists will visit cryptocurrency-based Akon City. Akon tweeted on January 13, 2020, that the city agreements were finalized and the project was beginning. He captioned his photo with Senegal President Macky Sall. “Hoping to host you there.”

Akon later concentrated on developing African countries and charity for the needy. He boosts poor African nations’ economies with Akon City’s tourist and development potential.

Future:

Akon recalls never singing. He utilized his music as collateral to become a philanthropist for Africa.

Akon’s 2018 albums El Negretto, Akonda, and Konnect feature bilingual singing and occasional songwriting. Billboard top 10s don’t count anymore. Fans and Africa will always love his music and social media.