Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), better known as Akon (pronounced /ˈeɪkɒn/), is an American-born Senegalese singer, rapper, songwriter, businessman, record producer and actor. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble. ... (see more)