Globally renowned music star and rapper Akon has found his way back in the headlines. This time, he is getting the limelight for an unexpected change in his personal life. Just four days before what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary, his long-time wife, Tomeka Thiam, filed for divorce.

According to court filings obtained from PEOPLE, Tomeka Thiam filed for divorce on Thursday, September 11, 2025, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’, listing their date of separation as ‘TBD’ (to be determined). The couple share a 17-year-old daughter, Journey Thiam. 

The news of Akon and Tomeka’s separation comes as a shock to fans who have followed the couple’s decades-long relationship since their marriage. However, beyond the public image of a strong marriage, Akon’s personal life has always been a matter of curiosity, given his breakout success, a multi-million dollar empire, nine children, and his much-discussed practice of polygamy.

Akon’s net worth in 2025

Akon, the mononym for Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, is a person of many talents. Born on April 16, 1973, in St Louis, Missouri, he is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, businessman, and philanthropist. In his decades-long music career, the Senegalese-American singer has established a staggering fortune for himself.

Despite the recent turbulence in his marriage, Akon’s career and wealth remain staggering. The Chammak Challo singer’s net worth as of 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is estimated at a whopping 50 million US dollars or even higher. Despite his lack of musical projects in recent years, Akon’s fortune continues to grow due to his multiple business ventures and royalties. 

At the peak of his career, Akon was one of the highest-paid artists in the industry, earning a staggering USD 20 million in 2009 alone. His record labels, Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution, have helped launch high-profile artists like Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga. He also runs a fashion line, along with some futuristic tech projects. 

His ‘Akon City’ project in Senegal is reportedly valued at USD 6 billion and remains one of his most ambitious ventures, though it has faced several delays. Akon has investments in diamond mines, which also add millions to his growing fortune.

Inside Akon’s complicated family life

Beyond his million-dollar business ventures, Akon has often made headlines for his open practice of polygamy. In several interviews, the singer has revealed that he is the father of nine children, whom he had with multiple women. In 2023, musician ‘Amirror’, aka Amirah-Iman Thiam, claimed that she was one of his four wives. 

The Lonely singer, in a 2022 interview, opened up about polygamy, stating that it’s a common practice in their culture as a way of embracing nature. For him, both marriage and dating are ‘real relationships’. Speaking about why it looks unusual to the Western eye, Akon said:

“(Polygamy is) part of our culture… For me, it looks normal, because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world. See, the flaw that the Western world made is that they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”

Akon further shared that being the father of nine, he makes sure to ‘be there’ for all of them by staying connected via FaceTime and fulfilling all his responsibilities, as well as protecting their mothers. Talking about his kids, the Criminal singer shared:

“My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals. 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. Communication allows me to be there every day. That’s what my FaceTime phone is for.”

Inside Akon’s marriage to Tomeka Thiam

Despite his open admission of polygamy, Tomeka has been Akon’s longest-standing partner, building a family with him. The couple tied the knot 29 years ago, on September 15, 1996, three years after they met. According to Tuko, Akon and Tomeka’s first meeting dates back to 1993.

While most reports claim that the couple are parents to their youngest daughter, Journey Thiam, a report by BHW claims that they also share three other children, sons Aliaune ‘Ali’ Thiam and Jhavor Thiam, and another daughter, Alianna Thiam.

In an interview with the US Magazine from July 2024, Akon and Tmika shared some ‘super simple’ secrets to their relationship of three decades, and that was to have each other’s back. Thiam pointed out the value of ‘loyalty and commitment’ in maintaining a healthy bond. Later, at the BET Awards in June 2025, the Don’t Matter hitmaker said:

“You know, you trust the person you’re with, you make sure you back them in whatever situation. Everyone’s gonna have a flaw. So it’s like, pick your best poison, right? Who are you willing to be with and deal with all that comes with them for the rest of your life? When you can say that that person is that person, and it’s gonna be great as long as you want to work everything out.”

What we know so far about Akon and Tomeka’s divorce

Unlike her flashy, world-famous husband, Tomeka Thiam has always kept a low profile. But the divorce filing has now pushed the entrepreneur and record label executive into the spotlight. Court documents obtained by news outlets reveal that Tomeka is seeking joint legal custody of their teenage daughter, Journey. She is also reportedly requesting sole physical custody of Journey, along with spousal support.

While Akon has not yet commented on the divorce, it’s now a matter of waiting to see where the path leads. For now, the future of his and Tomeka’s marriage remains uncertain.

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