Definition
Akon (born Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, 1973) is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and record producer who dominated the mid-2000s with a string of global hits. His breakthrough came with “Locked Up” (2004), but he became a superstar with “Smack That” (featuring Eminem), “Lonely,” “I Wanna Love You,” and “Don’t Matter.” Akon’s voice — high, slightly nasal, and instantly recognizable — became one of the defining sounds of 2000s R&B and hip-hop. He also founded Konvict Muzik, launched the careers of artists like T-Pain, and at one point held the Guinness World Record for the most guest appearances on songs.
Why It Matters
Akon was the soundtrack of the mid-2000s. His songs were in clubs, cars, commercials, and movie trailers. He was featured on tracks by Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, David Guetta, and dozens of others. But Akon’s influence extends beyond music: he launched the Akon Lighting Africa project, which brought solar power to rural communities across 14 African countries. He also proposed building a futuristic “Akon City” in Senegal, powered by his own cryptocurrency. Whether Akon City ever gets built is debatable, but the ambition is pure Akon — big, bold, and slightly unbelievable. He also had a controversial moment in 2007 when he simulated a sexual act on stage with a 15-year-old girl, which briefly damaged his reputation but didn’t end his career.
Example
“He was at a club in 2006 when ‘Smack That’ came on. The entire dance floor moved in unison. Nobody knew the lyrics past the chorus. Nobody cared. Akon had created a song that worked even if you only knew three words. That was his genius.”
Related Terms
- R&B — The genre Akon dominated
- T-Pain — The artist Akon discovered and mentored
- Konvict Muzik — Akon’s record label
- Akon Lighting Africa — His solar power initiative
- Mid-2000s R&B — The era Akon defined