Akon Net Worth

What is Akon's Net Worth?

Aliaune Thiam, famously known as R&B singer Akon, has a net worth of $40 million. Akon is a colossal figure in the music industry, transcending hip-hop to become one of the most influential entertainment icons. Not only has he thrived as a solo artist, but he has also launched two successful record labels, establishing himself as an entrepreneurial powerhouse.

Akon is best known for hits like "Smack That" and "Locked Up." His distinctive voice features on many beloved tracks across various genres. Statistically speaking, few can rival Akon. He boasts numerous platinum-selling songs, including four tracks that have gone triple platinum. According to the Guinness World Records, his songs are used as ringtones more than any other artist's music. Moreover, Akon is unique in being the sole solo artist to simultaneously hold the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 on two separate occasions.

Early Life

Akon was born Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri. Despite his American birth, Akon has deep Senegalese roots. He spent his early years traveling between the United States and Senegal, settling permanently in Newark, New Jersey, at the age of seven.

During his time in Senegal, Akon was heavily influenced by his parents, his mother being a professional dancer and his father, Mor Thiam, a renowned percussionist. He learned to play five instruments, including drums and guitar, by the time he was a teenager. Transitioning to life in America was challenging, and it became tougher when Akon's family moved to Atlanta, leaving him and his older brother to finish high school alone.

The subsequent period of Akon's life is marked by controversy. The official narrative suggests he spent three years in prison for his involvement in an auto theft ring. However, court documents and interviews cast doubt on this story, revealing no records of incarceration or conviction. Akon later explained that his time in and out of jail amounted to roughly three years.

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Music Career

Whether or not he was jailed, Akon hit the music industry in 2003 with a determination to make an impact. He caught the attention of Devyne Stephens, a key figure in the careers of artists like Usher. Signed to Stephens' label, Akon recorded several tracks, which producer "Knobody" later encouraged him to develop into a debut album.

Akon's first album, "Trouble," released in 2004, peaked at number eight on the Billboard Top 200, marking a major breakthrough. The album featured the hits "Locked Up" and "Lonely." Akon continued to collaborate with various artists, particularly notable was his work with Jeezy on the album "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101."

Akon's second album, "Konvicted," eclipsed his debut by debuting at number two on the Billboard Top 200, selling 286,000 units in its first week. The legendary track "Smack That," featuring Eminem, and the single "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg became major hits, with the latter earning Akon his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2008, Akon released his third album, "Freedom," collaborating with artists like Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne on the track "I'm So Paid." Akon also served as an executive producer for various artists and co-wrote Lady Gaga's smash hit "Just Dance" in 2008.

Subsequent years saw Akon collaborating with Damien Marley, Gucci Mane, David Guetta, and many others. Although he featured prominently on other artists' work, Akon produced fewer of his own albums, leading to a perceived decline in productivity. He announced an album, "Stadium," which never materialized. In 2019, Akon ventured into Latino music with "El Negreeto" and released another album, "Konnect," the same year. "TT Freak" followed in 2022.

Lady Gaga Connection

In 2004, an NYU student named Stefani Germanotta dropped out to pursue a music career. After signing and losing a record deal, she worked as a backing singer and songwriter for Streamline Records, part of Jimmy Iovine's Interscope Records. One day, Akon needed help with vocal references for his second album, and Stefani was brought in. Akon was so impressed that he signed her to his label, Kon Live. Stefani, who later became known as Lady Gaga, soared to fame with Akon providing vocals on her debut album and co-writing "Just Dance."

Despite selling millions of his own albums, Akon revealed in a 2011 interview that he earned ten times more money from Lady Gaga's success than from his career in the past decade.

(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)

Earnings and Business Ventures

In 2011, Akon grossed $13 million, following impressive earnings of $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009, and $12 million in 2008 during his peak years.

Akon has pursued several entrepreneurial endeavors, including the clothing lines Konvict Clothing and Aliaune. His philanthropic efforts are notable, especially his ambitious plan to develop a hyper-city in Senegal, named "Akon City." This futuristic city will run entirely on Akon's cryptocurrency, Akoin. The Senegalese government fully supports this endeavor, with finalized plans reported in 2020. Akon also launched the Akon Lighting Africa project in 2014, providing electricity to 15 African countries, and his charity, Konfidence Foundation, supports Feeding America and the Anthony Robbins Foundation.

Akon City

Akon City is a visionary project spearheaded by Akon to create a futuristic city in Senegal. Planned to occupy a 2,000-acre plot near Dakar, this initiative aims to blend advanced technology with sustainable living, serving as a hub for African development.

Inspired by the fictional Wakanda from Marvel's "Black Panther," Akon City will focus on renewable energy, particularly solar power, an extension of Akon's Akon Lighting Africa initiative. The plan includes hospitals, schools, and essential infrastructure, all powered by sustainable energy, with the city's economy driven by Akoin, a unique cryptocurrency.

In January 2020, Akon announced a deal with the Senegalese government for the land needed for this development. By June 2020, KE International was awarded a $6 billion contract to help build the city.

Akon City aims to be a model for future cities, promoting eco-friendly construction, improving living standards, and providing new economic opportunities. However, the project faces criticism regarding its feasibility, potential environmental impact, and whether it will benefit the average Senegalese citizen or cater primarily to the wealthy and tourists. Slow progress since its announcement has also led to skepticism about the project's future.