What Is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam Net Worth?
Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, most famously known as Akon, the R&B singer, possesses a net worth of $40 million. This valuation reflects his achievements as a solo artist, music producer, and entrepreneur. Akon’s financial success stems from multiple income streams, including music sales, streaming royalties, record label revenues, business ventures, and philanthropic activities.
Akon’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam’s early life was split between the U.S. and Senegal. He permanently settled in Newark, New Jersey, at age seven. Growing up, Akon developed musical skills, learning to play five instruments, including drums and guitar, influenced by his mother, a professional dancer, and his father, Mor Thiam, a percussionist.
Akon’s entry into the music industry occurred in 2003 when he gained the attention of Devyne Stephens, who had previously worked with Usher. He signed with Stephens’ label and recorded several tracks, which were then presented to producer “Knobody.” This collaboration led to the creation of Akon’s debut album.
Music Career and Album Successes
Akon’s debut album, “Trouble,” released in 2004, reached number 8 on the Billboard Top 200, marking a successful start to his career. Tracks like “Locked Up” and “Lonely” gained significant popularity.
His second album, “Konvicted,” debuted at number two on the Billboard Top 200, selling 286,000 units in its first week. This album featured “Smack That” with Eminem and “I Wanna Love You” with Snoop Dogg, his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2008, Akon released “Freedom,” his third album, featuring collaborations with Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne on the track “I’m So Paid.” During this period, Akon also served as an executive producer for artists like Flipsyde and co-wrote Lady Gaga’s hit “Just Dance.”
Earnings and Business Ventures Contributing to Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam Net Worth
Akon’s financial success can be attributed to various sources. In 2011, he grossed $13 million. Earlier, in 2010, he earned $21 million, considered a peak year for his solo career. His earnings in 2009 amounted to $20 million, and in 2008, $12 million. These figures represent revenue from album sales, royalties, performances, and other ventures.
Beyond music, Akon launched Konvict Clothing and Aliaune, a high-end clothing brand, in 2008. These ventures expanded his financial portfolio.
Akon’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his cryptocurrency, Akoin, envisioned for use in Akon City, a project in Senegal. He also initiated the Akon Lighting Africa project in 2014, bringing electricity to 15 African countries. Additionally, he founded the Konfidence Foundation and contributed to Feeding America and the Anthony Robbins Foundation.
Akon and Lady Gaga Connection
Akon played a role in Lady Gaga’s rise to fame. In 2007, Stefani Germanotta, then a backing singer and songwriter at Streamline Records, assisted Akon with vocals for his second album. Impressed, Akon signed her to his label, Kon Live, and she became known as Lady Gaga. He provided vocals on her debut album and co-wrote “Just Dance.” Akon stated in a 2011 interview that he earned ten times more from Lady Gaga than from his endeavors in the last decade.
Akon City Project
Akon City is a futuristic city planned in Senegal on a 2,000-acre land plot gifted by the Senegalese government, near Dakar. Inspired by Wakanda from “Black Panther,” it aims to integrate advanced technology with renewable energy. In January 2020, Akon finalized a deal with the government for the land. In June 2020, KE International was awarded a $6 billion contract for its construction. The city plans to use the cryptocurrency “Akoin” to fuel its local economy. The project aims for eco-friendly construction and improved living standards in Senegal, though it has faced scrutiny regarding feasibility and transparency.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2016, Akon listed a fixer-upper mansion in Atlanta for $2.6 million. A year later, he listed another Atlanta-area home for $7 million. These real estate assets contribute to his overall net worth.
Personal Life and Investments Contributing to Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam Net Worth
Akon has six children with three different women. He owns a diamond mine in South Africa, committed to avoiding blood diamonds and donating profits to local communities. These ventures and personal assets influence his net worth.