Born Aliuane Badara Thiam on April 30, 1973, better known by his stage name, Akon is a Senegalese American hip hop, R&B singer, songwriter, occasional rapper and record producer. Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single “Locked Up” from his debut album dubbed “Trouble.” His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single “Smack That “. He is the founder of Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. Akon has also featured renowned artists like Eminem, Snoop Doggy and Michael Jackson. After failing to show up in Nairobi and Kampala on three occasions, last weekend arguably Africa’s most wanted U.S. based musician Akon kept his promise and performed live in Kampala. Berna Namata catches up with the star. BN: You have failed to show up on several occasions for planned concerts. Why? Is it because you have a problem with Africa? Akon: In Nairobi I didn’t show up because Kenya was experiencing post–electoral violence at the time I was supposed to travel there. It was not safe. I failed to show up here in Kampala I had got a problem with my voice. How can I have a problem with Africa yet I am an African? In Europe when they see me, they see an African. First of all Africa has always been under attack, they don’t like the fact that we are there and doing so much. Everything that happens to me affects the African people. We have to be careful the way we do things and say them. The moment you destroy me, the dream of every African musician making it in Europe is over. BN: How have you managed to beat the odds and become successful in such a short time? A: I have struggled just like anybody else, that’s why I appreciate everything that has happened to me now. I don’t want my kids or anybody to experience what I experienced. I have to keep working hard because I can’t imagine ever going back to that kind of life again. BN: Can you talk about the origin of the phrase “Konvict” in your music career? A: “Konvict” really represents my struggle through life. The concept came to me when I got locked up .While I was in prison, I realised I had made stupid decisions and I developed so much anger about it. Recording the album “Konvict “ was part of telling my story. Konvict is a reminder of the life I don’t want to go back to. It also represents the freedom of it because I believe I am a free person now. BN: Who is your presidential Candidate in the forthcoming U.S Elections? If it’s Obama, why haven’t you come out to support his campaign publicly like Oprah did? A: Of course I support Obama to become the next president though I can not start campaigning for him. It is a decision I had to make, it’s pretty tough because I realised if I came out and said “I support Obama “ the western media would use it to campaign against him like they did with his Pastor (Jeremiah Wright). Obama was attacked because of his pastor has a negative vision of certain things and they came up and claimed that Obama also thinks in the same way. If I went out there campaigning for Obama I guess that would be the same case. Even if I am supporting him in a positive way they will make a twist and say, “Obama is being supported by a convict, somebody who went to jail. “And this is not good for him. They always look for negative stuff. I think its better for me to support him and keep a low profile just like anybody else. BN: Is it true you practice polygamy? If yes, how many wives do you have? Polygamy is practiced in so many parts of the world including Africa. However, I just started conversation because I thought it was a healthy conversation. I do a lot of things, sometimes just playing with the media. This particular debate about polygamy came up when I was about to launch my album. I needed some bit of controversy to attract attention from the media to promote my album to make it popular. But I have three girlfriends and one wife! BN: Have you done any works of charity in Africa? Yes, I have a charity organization called Konfidence Foundation for underprivileged children in Africa to help them meet their education needs. Contact: ubernie@gmail.com
