Artist Factfile

Akon

Akon's heading back to Fresh 40 for another round of Killer Questions.

From:

Senegal. Akon lived there until he was seven when his family moved to New Jersey.

It All Began…

At school when Akon discovered hip-hop music. He wrote his first song aged 15 and used time spent in prison, following an armed robbery and drug charges, to work on his music.

Awards:

MOBO for Best African Act in 2005 and nominated for a whole host of others including a Grammy for Smack That .

When Not Making Music:

Akon can be found designing jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and hats for his clothing label Konvict Clothing.

Mad But True:

Akon has three wives which he says is perfectly acceptable by African Muslim standards

Did You Know?

His full name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam

Big Track:

Smack That was #1 in eight countries

Official site