Akon’s Wife Tomeka Thiam Files for Divorce After Nearly 29 Years of Marriage
In a shocking turn for one of the music industry’s most enduring couples, Tomeka Thiam, the longtime wife of Senegalese-American singer Akon, has filed for divorce after nearly three decades together. The filing, submitted on September 11, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court, comes just four days before what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary on September 15. Tomeka cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, and the couple’s date of separation is listed as “TBD” in court documents obtained by outlets like People and TMZ. This development ends a union that began in 1996 and has been marked by Akon’s global fame, his unconventional views on relationships, and a family life largely kept out of the spotlight.
Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Badara Thiam, rose to stardom in the mid-2000s with hits like “Lonely,” “Smack That,” and “Don’t Matter,” selling millions of albums worldwide and founding his own record label, Konvict Muzik. At 52, he remains active in music, philanthropy—particularly his ambitious Akon City project in Senegal—and business ventures. However, his personal life has often been a subject of speculation, especially regarding his stance on polygamy. Tomeka, 48, an American entrepreneur and former record label executive, has been a constant presence behind the scenes, supporting Akon’s career while maintaining a low profile. The couple met in 1993 at a party when she was 18 and he was 20, and they married three years later.
News of the divorce has sent ripples through the entertainment world, especially given Akon’s history of evasive comments about his marital status and relationships. Representatives for both Akon and Tomeka have not yet commented publicly, but the filing reveals key details about their shared life and the path forward. As the legal process unfolds, fans are left reflecting on a partnership that spanned Akon’s rise from obscurity to international stardom.
The Divorce Filing: Details and Requests
According to the court documents, Tomeka Thiam is seeking to dissolve the marriage on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, a common no-fault reason in California divorces that doesn’t require assigning blame. The filing lists their separation date as “TBD,” suggesting the couple may still be living together or the exact timeline is unclear. Tomeka is requesting spousal support for herself while asking the court to block Akon from seeking any from her, a standard provision to protect the filing spouse’s financial interests during proceedings.
Regarding their children, the documents confirm that Tomeka and Akon share one minor child: their 17-year-old daughter, Journey. Tomeka is seeking joint legal custody, where both parents would share decision-making responsibilities for Journey’s upbringing, but she wants primary physical custody, meaning the teen would primarily live with her. Akon would receive visitation rights. This arrangement aims to ensure stability for Journey during the transition, especially as she nears adulthood.
Akon is a father of nine children in total, but the other eight are from previous relationships or other partners, and they are not mentioned in this filing. The couple’s other children include three sons—Alioune, Jahvor, and Muhammad—and two daughters, Alianna and an unnamed fifth from earlier reports, but only Journey is the minor involved here. The focus on Journey in the documents suggests the divorce proceedings will prioritize her well-being amid the high-profile split.
The case is expected to proceed through standard California family court processes, which could involve mediation, asset division, and further hearings on custody and support. Given the length of the marriage and Akon’s substantial net worth—estimated at around $80 million from music, tours, and ventures like Akon Lighting Africa—the division of community property could be contentious. No response from Akon has been filed as of September 13, 2025, and his team has not commented publicly.
Akon and Tomeka’s Relationship: A Long but Private Union
Akon and Tomeka Thiam’s marriage has been one of the more private aspects of the singer’s otherwise flamboyant public life. They met in 1993 at a party and tied the knot on September 15, 1996, in a low-key ceremony. Over the years, Tomeka has supported Akon’s career from the shadows, occasionally appearing at events like the 2024 BET Awards and his music video shoots. She has worked as a record label executive and entrepreneur, contributing to Akon’s business empire while raising their family.
However, Akon’s views on relationships have long fueled speculation. In interviews, he has openly discussed his belief in polygamy, stating in 2017 that he considers multiple marriages a natural part of his cultural background. He has been linked to several women, including Amirah-Iman Thiam (who released music under Akon’s label), Tricia Ana, and Rozina Negusei, whom he has referred to as “wives” in the context of his polygamous lifestyle. Akon has often been vague about the number of partners, once joking in an interview that he has “four wives” but emphasizing that all relationships are “real.” Tomeka has remained largely silent on these matters, focusing instead on family and business.
The couple’s low-key approach to their personal life contrasts with Akon’s high-profile career. They have been spotted together at events like the 2023 Great Gatsby-themed party in Los Angeles and Akon’s music video sets in 2025. Despite the rumors, Tomeka has been portrayed as Akon’s primary legal wife, and their shared parenting of Journey has been a point of stability. The divorce filing marks the end of this chapter, potentially amid strains from Akon’s public persona and the pressures of fame.
Public Reaction and Speculation
News of the divorce has dominated entertainment headlines, with fans and media outlets speculating on the reasons behind the split. Social media is abuzz with reactions, many expressing surprise at the longevity of the marriage given Akon’s polygamous stance. “After all these years and the rumors, it’s finally over,” one Twitter user posted, while others defended Tomeka, calling her a “strong woman” for standing by Akon through his career highs and lows. The timing—just before their anniversary—has added to the drama, with some outlets like Daily Mail labeling it a “blues” moment for the singer.
Akon’s other partners have also drawn attention. Following the news, Amirah-Iman Thiam posted a loved-up photo with Akon on social media, captioned with a diamond ring emoji and soundtracked to Gunna’s “Forever Be Mine.” This has fueled speculation about Akon’s ongoing relationships, though no official statements have been made.
Fans of Akon’s music, which often celebrates love and relationships in tracks like “Right Now (Na Na Na),” are reflecting on the irony. The singer has not addressed the filing publicly as of September 13, 2025, but his team has been contacted by multiple outlets for comment. The lack of response leaves room for more revelations as the case progresses.
What Happens Next in the Divorce?
California divorces can take several months to years, depending on whether the couple reaches an amicable settlement or goes to trial. With irreconcilable differences cited, the focus will likely be on asset division, given Akon’s wealth from music royalties, tours, and investments like his solar-powered city project in Senegal. Community property laws in the state mean assets acquired during the marriage are split 50/50, which could include real estate, businesses, and intellectual property.
Custody of Journey will be a priority, with the court considering the child’s best interests. At 17, her input may play a role, and joint legal custody suggests both parents aim to co-parent amicably. Spousal support calculations will factor in the marriage’s length and income disparities, potentially favoring Tomeka given Akon’s higher earnings.
If Akon contests the filing, it could prolong the process, but sources indicate no immediate response has been filed. The couple’s history of privacy suggests they may seek to keep details out of the public eye, though the high-profile nature makes that challenging.
Akon’s Complicated Views on Marriage and Relationships
Akon’s public stance on polygamy has long been a point of intrigue and controversy. In a 2017 interview, he described marriage and dating as “real relationships,” implying he maintains multiple committed partnerships. He has been evasive about the exact number of wives, once stating he has “four” but emphasizing cultural norms from his Senegalese roots where polygamy is accepted. Women like Amirah-Iman, who released music under his label Konvict Kulture, have been publicly associated with him, adding to the speculation.
Tomeka, however, has been the most visible and legally recognized partner, often appearing with Akon at events and supporting his philanthropy. Her decision to file for divorce may stem from these dynamics, though no specific reasons beyond irreconcilable differences have been disclosed. The filing’s timing, so close to their anniversary, has led some to wonder if it was a deliberate statement amid ongoing rumors.
Legacy of Akon and Tomeka’s Marriage
Despite the split, the couple’s nearly 29-year marriage represents a significant chapter in Akon’s life. They built a family amid his whirlwind career, from his 2006 debut album Trouble to global hits and ventures like the Akon City smart city project, a $6 billion initiative in Senegal aimed at sustainable development. Tomeka’s role as an entrepreneur, including her work in record labels and business consulting, complemented Akon’s empire, and their shared experiences raising children provided stability.
The divorce may impact Akon’s public image, especially given his advocacy for traditional family values in some contexts juxtaposed with his polygamous views. Fans have taken to social media to express support for both, with messages like “Wishing them peace after all these years” trending. As the legal battle begins, the focus remains on Journey’s well-being and a respectful resolution.
In the end, this high-profile divorce serves as a reminder that even celebrity unions face the same strains as any other. Akon and Tomeka’s story, from young love to global fame, ends on a bittersweet note, but their legacy as parents and partners endures.