Akon's musical career has been followed by fans since he first made his debut on the music scene in 2004. The release of his hit single "Locked Up" immediately launched him to super stardom, and from there, the hits just came coming. Soon after, the world was treated to releases such as "Lonely," "Beautiful," and "I Wanna Love You," all of which solidified his name and his fame. Akon has collaborated with some of the biggest names in history, including his famous collaboration with Eminem on the song "Smack That."
The success of his music, along with a variety of other business ventures that Akon has embarked on, have led him to amass a jaw-dropping net worth of $80 million. Not one to spend a lot of time doing media interviews, many of the details surrounding Akon's life have remained shrouded in mystery... until now.
7 His Jail Time Was Inspirational
Many rappers have had the misfortune of ending up in jail for the crimes they commit, most of whom take that experience and use it as street cred, to harden their image in the music scene. The opposite was true for Akon. After serving three years in jail for grand theft auto, he came out a changed man.
He realized the errors of his ways and took strides in ensuring he made better decisions moving forward. According to Entertainment Weekly, "his debut CD, 2004’s Trouble, contains several songs that he wrote while incarcerated."
He Owns A Diamond Mine
Some celebrities like buying diamonds, Akon actually bought a diamond mine! Taking diamond buying to a whole new level, Akon purchased a diamond mine in South Africa in 2007. He has spoken publicly about the ownership, but details of the purchase have not been revealed.
One things fans know for sure is the fact that he's dripping in diamonds from head to toe, and he is one of the very few people that can actually say he's wearing diamonds from his very own mine.
He's An Inspiration To His Native Community
Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, was born and raised in Senegal, a country in West Africa. He lived there until the age of seven, at which time his family emigrated to the United States. He has always remained true to his roots and is heavily immersed in bettering the lives of his homeland.
The citizens of Senegal view Akon as a true inspiration. His home-grown success has given the community hope, demonstrating that anything is possible, and that they could also strive to attain the same level of success.
His Priority Is Business, Not Music
[EMBED_INSTA]https://www.instagram.com/p/CNh-yVfgf1g/[/EMBED_INSTA]Fans view Akon as a highly successful musician, but that's not what his perception of himself represents. Akon declared that he is a businessman first and a musician second. He continues to pursue all of his business dreams and invests in his African roots at every opportunity. He owns a variety of different business ventures and shows no sign of slowing down. Akon views his musical success as offering him the ability to seek out his true passion; the world of business.
6 He Doesn't Drink Or Smoke
Most rappers broadcast a party-based lifestyle with heavy drinking, smoking and substance abuse taking front and center during their extra-curricular time. This is one of the ways that Akon differs greatly.
He's a devout Muslim and puts great focus in his faith. He doesn't smoke or drink at all, lending greater opportunities for a sharp, focused mind that seems to be set on business growth and advancement.
5 He Has Several Wives
Another interesting fact that sets Akon apart from the others is his polygamous lifestyle. He practices Islamic beliefs which allow him to have several wives. TMZ reports that he does, indeed, have a series of spouses and is the father of 6 children. He is reported to have positive, healthy relationships with all the women and children in his life.
His lifestyle may be unconventional to many, but he seems to have found a peaceful way of balancing his personal lifestyle choices.
4 He Released A Posthumous Collaboration With Michael Jackson
Akon's musical career has afforded him a variety of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that most people could only ever dream of.
One of his most incredible claims to fame is his collaboration with the late, Michael Jackson. Akon and the legendary MJ collaborated on a song titled Hold My Hand, which was released posthumously, a year after Michael Jackson's death.
This song will forever be commemorated in music history.
3 He Owns Two Clothing Lines
Akon has a unique fashion sense that he very happily shares with the world. He owns not one, but two clothing lines that are available for all his fans and followers to purchase.
Aliaune Clothing Line and Konvict Apparel are the names of his fashion lines, both of which personify the definition of urban streetwear. The casual, yet very fashion-focused designs are versatile enough for daily wear and are sold at an affordable rate, making them easily accessible to people from all walks of life.
2 He Operates A Charity
Akon definitely knows how to rake in the big bucks and has more money in his possession than he will ever spend in his lifetime. Recognizing his fact, and staying true to his beliefs, Akon generously and consistently shares his wealth with those who are less fortunate.
He founded a charity called the Konfidence Foundation, which helps advance health services and recreational opportunities for underprivileged youth in his homeland of Africa. His foundation also works to provide educational advancement within local schools. In addition, in 2014, he launched an initiative called Akon Lighting Africa, which helped bring electricity to the local community.
1 He Has Some Seriously Successful Ringtones
Akon's voice is instantly recognizable by his adoring fans, and many of them love his music so much that they have downloaded Akon's ringtones onto their phones. Akon's ringtones were so popular that he quickly took his spot in the Guinness Book Of World Records as being "the #1 selling artist for master ringtones in the world"