Akon

Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), known mononymously as Akon, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and businessman. An influential figure in modern world music, he rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up" (featuring Styles P). Styled in hip hop, it preceded the release of his debut studio album Trouble (2004), which became his commercial breakthrough and spawned the R&B-styled follow-up, "Lonely" the following year. His second album, Konvicted (2006) was met with continued success as it received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album, while its lead singles: "I Wanna Love You" (featuring Snoop Dogg) and "Smack That" (featuring Eminem) each received nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Both songs peaked at numbers one and two respectively on the Billboard Hot 100, likewise with his singles released the following year: "Don't Matter" and his guest performance on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape"; this made Akon the first solo artist to simultaneously hold the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. His third album, Freedom (2008) was supported by the Hot 100 top-ten lead single, "Right Now (Na Na Na)". His fourth album, El Negreeto (2019) explore... ()