Akon
Biography
Akon is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter and record producer who was born in St. Louis and spent much of his childhood in Senegal, where he learned to play several instruments. He joined the Refugee Camp, the Fugees' extended musical family, and recorded a single in 1996 that led to a deal with Elektra Records, though it fell through. He broke through with his 2004 debut album Trouble and its singles Locked Up and Lonely. His second album, Konvicted (2006), reached number two on the Billboard 200, and its singles Smack That and I Wanna Love You both earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. He founded the labels Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution, signed acts such as Lady Gaga and T-Pain, and wrote or produced for performers including Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. He made his acting debut in the 2012 film Black November and appeared in American Heist (2014) alongside Hayden Christensen and Adrien Brody.
53years old
Turns 54 on April 16in 186 days
- Born St. Louis
- Star sign: AriesThe sign runs March 21 to April 19
- Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam (birth name)Also credited as El Negreeto
Movie Career
- Films
- 3
- Career span
- 5 years2014 to 2019
Every film, newest first
- 2019Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can FlyIMDb rating 6.3
- 2015TookenIMDb rating 3.7
- 2014American HeistIMDb rating 5.0
Genres
Share
Did you know?!
A first
Akon became the first solo artist to hold the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time twice, after "I Wanna Love You" and "Smack That" plus later singles did it.
A first
On October 5, 2006, Akon broke a Hot 100 record when "Smack That" jumped from number 95 to 7, the biggest climb in the chart's 48-year history.
First role
Akon recorded the single "Operations of Nature" in 1996, which got him a deal with Elektra Records. The song did not catch on in the United States, so the record deal fell through too.
Big break
Devyne Stephens ran Upfront Megatainment. Rapper Lil Zane brought Akon to Stephens' rehearsal hall, and the pair grew into a friendship and mentorship. Stephens signed Akon to his production company and sent his songs to SRC Records.
Behind the camera
In 2004 Akon started the label Konvict Muzik, and KonLive Distribution followed in 2007. Acts he signed through them include Lady Gaga, T-Pain, R. City, Kardinal Offishall, Jeffree Star and French Montana.
Behind the camera
Lady Gaga's hit "Just Dance" was co-written by Akon, and it received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.
Akon movies on Netflix
Worked with
Akon made one film with each of them. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Adrien Brody's page
Lance E. Nichols's page
Joe Chrest's page
Margaret Cho's page
Carol Sutton's page
Luis Da Silva Jr.'s page
Sarik AndreasyanDirector, 1 film, 2014
All films by Sarik Andreasyan
Isaac 'Chill' YowmanDirector, 1 film, 2019
All films by Isaac 'Chill' Yowman
White Trash TylerDirector, 1 film, 2019
All films by White Trash Tyler
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.