History of Akon in Timeline

Akon, born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, businessman, and philanthropist. He gained significant recognition in 2004 with his hit single "Locked Up", which led to his debut album "Trouble" (2004). The album became a commercial success and included the popular R&B follow-up, "Lonely". Akon is known as an influential figure in the world of music for his diverse talents.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

April 16, 1973: Akon's Birth

On April 16, 1973, Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, known as Akon, was born.

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1996: Record Deal with Elektra Records

In 1996, Akon recorded "Operations of Nature," earning him a deal with Elektra Records, which eventually fell through after the song failed to gain traction in the United States.

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1998: Gun Charge Conviction

In 1998, Akon had a gun charge conviction, which resulted in him receiving three years probation.

1999: Akon's Claimed Prison Sentence Start

Akon has stated that he was part of an auto-theft ring and spent three years in prison from 1999.

2002: Akon's Claimed Prison Sentence End

Akon has stated that he spent three years in prison, ending in 2002.

June 29, 2004: Release of Trouble

On June 29, 2004, Akon's debut album, Trouble, was released, featuring the singles "Locked Up", "Lonely", and others. The album mixed West African-styled vocals with East Coast and Southern beats.

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2004: Konvict Muzik Founded

In 2004, Akon founded the record label Konvict Muzik.

2004: Rise to Prominence

In 2004, Akon rose to prominence with his single "Locked Up" featuring Styles P and released his debut album 'Trouble' which led to his commercial breakthrough and the release of "Lonely" the following year.

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April 2005: "Lonely" Climbs to Number One in the UK

In April 2005, Akon's album climbed to number one in the UK. His single "Lonely" reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in Australia, the UK, and Germany.

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August 2006: Release of "Smack That"

In August 2006, Akon released the single "Smack That" featuring Eminem.

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October 5, 2006: Record Climb on Hot 100

On October 5, 2006, Akon's "Smack That" jumped from number 95 to 7 on the Hot 100, achieving the largest climb in the chart's history at the time.

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November 2006: Konvicted Album Release

In November 2006, Akon released his second album, Konvicted, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.

2006: Plans for Collaborative Album with Young Jeezy

In 2006, Akon and Young Jeezy suggested plans for a collaborative album.

2006: Release and Nomination of Konvicted

In 2006, Akon's second album, Konvicted, was released and nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Singles "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg and "Smack That" featuring Eminem were also nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

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January 2007: Release of "Don't Matter"

In January 2007, Akon released "Don't Matter", earning him his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart-topper.

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February 2007: Launch of Konvict Clothing Line

In February 2007, Akon launched his clothing line Konvict Clothing, featuring urban streetwear and an upscale version called Aliaune.

April 2007: Controversy at Zen Nightclub

In April 2007, Akon faced criticism for an onstage act at the Zen Nightclub in Trinidad and Tobago, involving simulated sex with a 15-year-old girl. Verizon Wireless removed ringtones featuring Akon's songs and decided not to sponsor The Sweet Escape Tour.

April 20, 2007: Video Clip Airs on CCN TV6

On April 20, 2007, local media, channel CCN TV6, publicly aired a video clip of the incident from Zen Nightclub.

June 3, 2007: Incident at KFEST Concert

On June 3, 2007, at WSPK's KFEST concert, Akon threw a concert attendee back into the crowd from his shoulders after the attendee threw an object at him. He was later charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment.

July 2007: Release of "Mama Africa"

In July 2007, "Mama Africa" was released as a European single, making it the fourth overall single from the album Konvicted.

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August 2007: Release of "Sorry, Blame It on Me"

In August 2007, "Sorry, Blame It on Me" debuted on the Hot 100 at number seven.

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November 20, 2007: Konvicted Certified Triple Platinum

On November 20, 2007, the RIAA certified Akon's album 'Konvicted' triple platinum, with 3 million units sold in the US.

December 3, 2007: Arraignment on Charges

On December 3, 2007, Akon was arraigned on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment in Fishkill, New York.

December 2007: Guinness World Records Recognition

In December 2007, Akon was listed by Guinness World Records as the number-one selling artist for master ringtones, with 11 million sold.

2007: KonLive Distribution Founded

In 2007, Akon founded KonLive Distribution, through which he signed artists like Lady Gaga, T-Pain and others.

April 2008: The Smoking Gun Challenges Akon's Claims

In April 2008, The Smoking Gun website challenged Akon's claims about serving time in prison, stating that he was not convicted of any crime.

December 2, 2008: Release of Freedom Album

On December 2, 2008, Akon released his third album Freedom.

2008: Guilty Plea to Harassment

In 2008, Akon pleaded guilty to harassment and was required to perform 65 hours of community service and pay a $250 fine.

2008: Release of Freedom

In 2008, Akon released his third album, Freedom, supported by the single "Right Now (Na Na Na)" and other singles.

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2009: Akon and Konvict Muzik Produced Flipsyde's State of Survival

In 2009, Akon and Konvict Muzik produced hip-hop/rock group Flipsyde's release, State of Survival, released via KonLive Distribution and Cherrytree Records.

2010: Nominations for All Up 2 You

In 2010, Akon's collaboration with Aventura and Wisin & Yandel on "All Up 2 You" received two nominations at the Premios Lo Nuestro for "Urban Song of the Year" and "Video Collaboration of the Year".

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2010: Forbes Celebrity 100 Ranking

In 2010, Forbes ranked Akon 80th in the Forbes Celebrity 100 (Power Rank).

2011: Forbes Ranking in Africa

In 2011, Forbes ranked Akon 5th in the 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa list.

2014: Launch of Akon Lighting Africa

In 2014, Akon launched the non-profit Akon Lighting Africa.

2019: Releases of El Negreeto and Akonda

In 2019, Akon released two albums: El Negreeto, which explored reggaeton and Latin music, and Akonda, which explored Afrobeats, but neither album charted.

November 2025: Akon's Fictionalized Criminal History Acknowledged

Even as of November 2025, Akon is acknowledged to have fictionalized his criminal history, with a 1998 gun charge conviction, which resulted in him only receiving three years probation, in fact being his only criminal conviction.