Akon

He is a perfectionist when it comes to combination of brilliant lyrics and excellent rhythm, creating a blend that can only be described as exceptional. Akon's real names are: Alioune Badara Thiam, 35 years of age, born in St. Louis, Missouri however hails from Dakar, Senegal where he grew up until about 7 years of age. At this age he had periodic visits to America until he was 15, after which he settled down permanently in Jersey City, New Jersey. Born to a Muslim family, his father Mor Thiam was a legendary percussionist in whom he derived inspiration and hereditary qualities to become an extraordinary artiste.

Initially, percussion instruments were his interest, but later he subscribed to hip-hop after he discovered variety of musical cultures in his new environment. At 15, he composed his first song,"Operations of Nature". Unfortunately, he was jailed for robbery and drug trafficking, but against all odds, he kept on working on his art while in prison. After he regained freedom, he channeled additional effort towards realizing his dream, which culminated to the release of his debut album, "Trouble" by SRC/Universal, which contains the acclaimed single "Locked Up" that brought him to limelight in 2004. His second album "Konvicted" was a sensation with the smash-hit single, "Smack That" that bagged him a Grammy Award nomination.

Akon is versatile at what he does. Being a singer, he majors in hip-hop, dance-pop, R&B, soul with a touch of reggae and rap music. He is also a songwriter and record producer. He is the founder of Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution that produces artiste such as Earl Ray, T pain and Kardinal Offishall.

His songs have been well received by music lover.and hyped by media including: Billboard Hot 100, The Box, United World Chart and variety of others. In 2006, Akon set a record on the Hot 100 by attaining the highest climb ever in the chart's history with "Smack That" jumping from the 97th position to 2nd. Between 2006 and 2007, he accomplished the most successful span any singer has ever achieved with eleven songs on Billboard Hot 100. Akon had also attained No. 1 on world chart with "Sweet Escape" on United World Chart. In 2007, "Konvicted", his second album, rose to the second position on Billboard 200. This album sold millions of records worldwide within a short period and consequently was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. In 2007, Akon was named America's top artist of the year by trade magazine Billboard.

Appreciated by fellow artiste, he had made several collaborations on songs that have made hits. With the legendary rappers, 2pac and The Notorious BIG in the remix of "Ghetto"; Young Jeezy in "Soul Survivor"; Eminem in "Smack That"; Snoop Dogg in "I Wanna Love You"; Gwen Stefani in "Sweet Escape"; Chamillionaire in "Ridin' Overseas"; Bone Thugs-n-harmony's Album, "Strength And Loyalty" and several others. In November 2007, Akon recreated "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"; the 1983 hit of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. It is going to be among the songs in the re-release of 'Thriller'.

Akon has been able to broaden his horizon by branching out into television. "My Brother's Keeper" is going to be a reality TV show. Its concept involves two of his identical brothers deceiving people on camera that they are him. He is also working on a movie, "Illegal Alien", which would be based on his true-life story.Fashionable in his rights, Konvict, his clothing line includes wears like: hoodies, denim jeans, t-shirts and hats. The upscale version, Aliaune, is for male and female.

Despite his credits, Akon's deeds have been placed under scrutiny with some of his actions being debatable. In April 2007, he was reported that he had a 'dirty' dance with an under-aged girl while performing in a club in Trinidad. The situation drew a lot of criticism that questioned his status. However he later apologized and stated his claims concerning the act in his song "Sorry, Blame It On Me". In June 2007, he was accused of the charge of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment relating to an incident in which he allegedly threw a fan off the stage during a New York gig. A case which he pleaded not guilty to, stating that the act was staged, thereafter he was released of his own recognizance after his court appearance.

At times when Akon sings with his usual distinct and audible voice, he reflects on the adversities of life and belief in hope in other to conquer. A quality that can only be depicted as honesty. He never forgets is true origin, Senegal, which he exhibits in some of his songs such as 'Mama Africa'. He also tries to be simple amidst all the hype about his stardom. However there is no doubt that he has the essence of gangster in him due to his associates and criminal past, which he has embraced by naming his Label Konvict and admitting a signature which is the sound of the clank of a jail cell and he utters Konvict when he starts most of his songs.

Akon's third album is set for release this year. We can only expect the extraordinary from him.

LIST OF AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

* American Music Awards

o 2007, Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist (Winner)
o 2007, Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist (Nominated)
o 2007, Artist of the Year (Nominated)

* BET Awards

o 2007, Best Male R&B Artist (Nominated)
o 2007, Best Collaboration: "I Wanna Love You" (Nominated)
o 2007, Best Video of the Year: "I Wanna Love You" (Nominated)

* BET Hip-Hop Awards

o 2007, Best Collaboration: "We Takin' Over" (Nominated)
o 2007, People's Champ Award: "We Takin' Over" (Nominated)

* Grammy Awards

o 2008, Best R&B Contemporary Album: Konvicted (Nominated)
o 2008, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "I Wanna Love You" (Nominated)
o 2008, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: "Bartender" (Nominated)
o 2008, Best Pop Collaboration w/ Vocals: "The Sweet Escape" (Nominated)
o 2007, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Smack That" (Nominated)

* MOBO Awards

o 2007, Best R&B Act (Nominated)
o 2007, Best International Act (Nominated)

* MTV Video Music Awards

o 2007, Best Male Artist (Nominated)
o 2007, Most Earth Shattering Collaboration: "The Sweet Escape" (Nominated)
o 2007, Most Earth Shattering Collaboration: "Smack That" (Nominated)
o 2005, MTV2 Award: "Locked Up" (Nominated)

* MTV Europe Awards

o 2007, Best Album: Konvicted (Nominated)
o 2005, Best Breakthrough Act (Nominated)
o 2005, Best Hip-Hop Act (Nominated)

* Teen Choice Awards

o 2007, Choice Male Breakthrough Artist (Winner)
o 2007, Choice R&B Artist (Nominated)
o 2007, Choice Love Song: "Don't Matter" (Nominated)
o 2007, Choice Music Single: "The Sweet Escape" (Nominated)

* Vibe Music Awards

o 2007, Coolest Collaboration: "We Takin' Over" (Nominated)
o 2005, Hottest Hook: "Soul Survivor" (Nominated)
o 2004, Hottest Hook: "Locked Up" (Nominated)