Akon is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his genre-blending sound that combines hip-hop, R&B, and pop. He rose to international fame in the mid-2000s with hits like "Smack That" and "Lonely." Beyond his music career, Akon is also a notable philanthropist, particularly for his "Akon Lighting Africa" project, which provides solar energy to rural communities across the continent.