Singer Akon, whose real name is Aliuane Thiam, was taken into custody in Georgia on an out-of-county warrant and spent six hours in jail before being released. The 52-year-old artist was arrested on November 7 based on a warrant from Roswell, New Mexico, related to a driver’s license issue and a missed court appearance.
Legal documents revealed that the warrant was issued after Akon failed to show up for a court date in January 2023. The warrant came to light when police checked his license plate in September after his car broke down. He was cited for driving with a suspended license but was released the same day.
Representatives for Akon stated that the situation was a clerical error and would be resolved in court soon. He was booked into DeKalb County Jail by Chamblee Police after a security camera flagged his Tesla in connection with the outstanding warrant.
Officer Joshua Rosa reported finding Akon near his car at a window tinting shop in Chamblee. Akon cooperated and acknowledged the warrant for his arrest. After a search, he was taken into custody but was later released from jail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Akon, a five-time Grammy nominee known for hits like Locked Up and Smack That, gained fame in the early 2000s for his distinctive voice. Apart from his music career, he has focused on charitable endeavors such as the Akon Lighting Africa initiative, aiming to provide solar power to communities across the continent.
Additionally, Akon has ventured into tech and development projects, including his vision for Akon City in Senegal, inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther. The futuristic city was planned to be powered by Akoin, a cryptocurrency founded by the singer.
Representatives for Akon have been contacted for further comments.
