Senegalese-American music star, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Akon is facing a major personal upheaval after his wife, Tomeka Thiam, officially filed for divorce, bringing to an end a marriage that has lasted nearly three decades.
According to court filings in Fulton County, Georgia, on September 11, 2025, Thiam cited irreconcilable differences as the basis for the divorce petition. The couple, who share one daughter together, were approaching their 29th wedding anniversary next month. The development marks the end of one of Akon’s most enduring relationships, which spanned much of his rise to global fame.
In her petition, Thiam requested joint legal custody of their daughter but is seeking primary physical custody, allowing Akon visitation rights. She has also asked the court for spousal support while requesting that Akon’s call for the denial of such support be dismissed. This legal request underlines the seriousness of the separation and the financial implications involved in the case of a high-profile artist with significant business and entertainment ventures.
The news of the divorce comes as Akon, 51, continues to be vocal about his views on polygamy, a cultural practice he has defended publicly for years. He has long stated that polygamy is part of his heritage and should not be judged by Western standards. Speaking in 2022 on The Zeze Mills Show, Akon explained: “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal, because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside our African culture when we got to the Western world. See, the flaw that the Western world made is, they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”
Akon has openly acknowledged fathering nine children with different women, often pointing to his busy music and entrepreneurial career as a factor in how he balances family life. While some have criticized his views as controversial, he has maintained that his approach is grounded in African traditions and is consistent with the life he leads.
In the same 2022 interview, the Lonely hitmaker admitted that his role in the family does not include being present for every event or celebration. “My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals,” Akon said. “While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that.”
For Akon, financial responsibility is his way of being present, even when work demands keep him away. He emphasized that technology has made it easier for him to remain connected: “Me showing up for my children is me being there for them financially. I’m there if I’m around. But it’s impossible to be everywhere and every place. And technology allows me to be there every day, FaceTime and other methods.”
The divorce filing shines a spotlight on the often complex realities of balancing a high-profile career with personal and family commitments. Akon, who was born Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised partly in Senegal, has built a career that stretches beyond music. With chart-topping hits such as Smack That, Locked Up, and Don’t Matter, he rose to global prominence in the early 2000s and has since transitioned into business and philanthropy.
He is widely known for his efforts to improve access to electricity in Africa through his “Akon Lighting Africa” project, which has brought solar power solutions to several countries on the continent. These initiatives have cemented his status not only as a music star but also as a cultural figure and entrepreneur with a footprint that goes far beyond the entertainment industry.
Yet, despite his professional successes, Akon has often faced scrutiny for his unconventional views on relationships and parenting. His belief in polygamy as part of his cultural identity has stirred debates both within Africa and across the diaspora, where opinions are sharply divided on whether such practices can coexist with modern family expectations.
The divorce from Thiam—one of his most visible and long-standing partners—will likely reignite conversations about the pressures that come with public life, cultural traditions, and family expectations in a globalized world. For nearly three decades, Thiam has remained a relatively private figure despite being married to one of Africa’s most internationally recognized artists. Her legal filing signals a decisive step in seeking not only to protect her daughter’s welfare but also to secure financial support after years in the marriage.
Observers note that Akon’s acknowledgment of having multiple partners and children may also influence how the court navigates custody and spousal support arrangements. While the details of the settlement remain to be seen, the case will undoubtedly attract media attention in the United States and across Africa, where Akon’s cultural influence continues to resonate.
This development adds another chapter to the complex personal story of a man who has never shied away from controversy. Akon’s career, which began with struggles in the U.S. before he gained global fame, has often mirrored his personal life—bold, unconventional, and unapologetic. His ability to juggle multiple ventures, from music and entertainment to real estate and renewable energy, has earned him respect, but his personal views on polygamy and family life have made him a divisive figure.
As Akon and Tomeka Thiam head toward a legal resolution, their nearly 29-year journey as a married couple comes to a close. For Akon, the divorce represents a personal loss at a time when his professional and philanthropic projects remain active on a global scale. For Thiam, it marks a new chapter after decades of being tied to one of the most famous names in African music.
Whether this separation reshapes Akon’s outlook on family and relationships remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the dissolution of his marriage highlights the intersection of culture, celebrity, and personal responsibility, underscoring that even global superstars must contend with the deeply human challenges of love, partnership, and change.
