AKON
Born on: Apr 16, 1973Age: 39
Star: Aries
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Producer
Akon is a American R&B recording artist, businessman and songwriter. However, he is originally from Senegal. He first came into limelight in 2004 with the release of the single "Locked Up". His debut album was titled Trouble. His second album was "Konvicted" for which he received three Grammy nominations. Akon created a record when he became the first solo artist to occupy the first two positions in Billboard charts. He achieved this unique feat twice in his career. He is also the owner of 2 hugely successful record labels - Konvict Muzik & Kon Live Distribution. Akon has the distinction of working with many reputed artists such as Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, Whitney Houston, Lil Wayne et al.
It has been reported that Akon has grossed close to $53 million in the last three years. Akon is one of the few artists who have increased his per year income at an alarming rate. The new album Freedom has been given a Platinum status. He has also performed live shows in different parts of the world including Antwerp and Vancouver. According to insiders, he has grossed $230,000 per show on an average. No wonder, tours are considered to be huge moneymakers for artists like Akon. He has also launched his own record label - Konvict Muzik. He gets 50% of the profits and the proceeds from tours, merchandise and ringtones. He also own a clothing line - Konvict Clothing - which features denim jeans, hoodies and t-shirts.
Akon is considered to be one of the richest R&B singers in United States. Not many people know that he is also the owner of a diamond mine in South Africa. However, details about the ownership are never fully revealed and he avoids the media when questioned about 'conflict diamonds'. In 2008 the noted singer purchased a six-bedroom, eight bath house in Atlanta. The estate covers an area of six acres and has a garage to accommodate six cars. Reportedly he bought this house for $2.5 million which also has a wine cellar for 1,200 bottles. The estate also has a separate apartment for the caretaker and a dining room that can seat a dozen people.Akon is also involved in charity work and he works for underprivileged children in Africa through his own charity called Konfidence Foundation. He has also supported causes related to women, poverty and human rights.The personal life of the R&B singer is a topic of discussion in the celebrity circles. he has claimed in an interview that he has six children with three different women. He claims that he maintains a cordial relationship with the children and family in particular. He has also claimed to be a part of an auto-theft ring and have even spent three years in jail but not consecutively. In a number of interviews Akon has claimed that has a devout Muslim and has drank alcohol or smoke but there is some confusion over his legal date of birth.
