Akon's Boldest Political Statements
The singer is more than just a hitmaker.
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Self-Deportation - Akon is a multi-platinum artist with an uncanny ability to crowd a dance floor, but there's more to the "Locked Up" singer than meets the ear. Born in America and raised in Senegal, Akon has a global perspective and is as passionate about politics as he is music. May 2015, the singer presented plans for his Akon Lights Africa Academy — with goals to bring sustainable electricity to 600 million homes in Africa — to the United Nations. But it's not the first major political statement he's made. Back in 2008, Akon vowed to give up his citizenship if John McCain was elected president. "The decisions he makes scare me," explained Akon, pointing specifically to his nomination of Sarah Palin as his running mate. "He's making selfish decisions, he's doing whatever it takes to get into office." (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images)
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No Labels - In 2010, when partisan fatigue had reached a new peak, Akon partnered with New York-based organization No Labels to encourage voters to look beyond party politics for common sense. 'Kon wrote a song for the movement, with lyrics like, “He’s a Democrat/ He’s Republican/ There’s a fight and a race who’s gonna win?/ Put your differences aside, ‘man up’ you can/ ‘Cause there’s way too many people sufferin’/ I wish they didn’t have ‘No Labels’/ There’d be more change with ‘No Labels.'” (Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
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Social Responsibility - The singer has always been passionate about giving back. Through his Konfidence Foundation and Akon Lighting Africa, he proves that hard work is the strongest political statement. (Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
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Kuwait a Minute - The "Smack That" singer was schedule to headline a concert in the conservative Middle Eastern country of Kuwait promoting, innocently enough, safe driving practices. But it seems Akon's presence was too risqué for the country's lawmakers, who called off the show, telling local newspapers that children needed protection from "negative people." (Photo: PHIL MOORE/AFP/Getty Images)
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It's Time for Africa - Akon is arguably the most famous mainstream artist to come out of Africa, and he never misses out on an opportunity to give thanks to the continent he often calls home. The Grammy-nominated singer takes his responsibility of being one of the most visible Africans on the planet very seriously, saying, “I think ultimately, where God allows you to speak to a billion people you always ask yourself, when you get a chance of that nature, what will you say? What is your purpose?” (Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
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What is Politics? - 'Kon gets to the heart of politics with this witty tweet: "Politics is the art of postponing a decision until it is no longer relevant!" (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images
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Making It Rain - Strippers love Akon's music, and the admiration is mutual. The singer reportedly dropped thousands at a strip club in Nigeria — not for exotic dances, but to cover the dancers' bills for one year. (Photo: Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images/Getty Images)