Akon performs music.
Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam ( born April 16 , 1973 ) , better known as Akon ( pronounced [ ˈeɪkɒn ] ) , is an American singer , rapper , songwriter , businessman , record producer and actor of Senegalese descent . He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of `` Locked Up '' , the first single from his debut album Trouble . His second album , Konvicted received three nominations for the Grammy Awards in two categories , Best Contemporary R&B Album for Konvicted album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for `` Smack That '' and `` I Wan na Love You '' . He is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice . Akon often provides vocals as a featured artist and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs .