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Featured Event 1973 Birth

April 16

Akon Born: From Senegal to Global Pop and Solar Power

Born in St. Louis and raised between Senegal and New Jersey, Akon fused West African rhythms with R&B and hip-hop to produce global hits like "Locked Up" and "Smack That." Beyond music, he launched the Akon Lighting Africa initiative, bringing solar power to millions across the continent through one of the largest private energy projects in African history.

April 16, 1973

53 years ago

What Else Happened on April 16

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Talk to Aliaune Thiam Akon