Photo caption: Akon
Global music star Akon is facing a major personal challenge as his wife, Tomeka Thiam, has officially filed for divorce after nearly three decades of marriage.
As reported by People on Saturday, court documents filed in Fulton County, Georgia, on September 11, 2025, reveal that Thiam is seeking to dissolve the union on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.
The pair, who share one daughter, are approaching what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary next month.
In her petition, Thiam requested joint legal custody of their daughter, but asked for primary physical custody, with visitation rights granted to Akon.
She is also seeking spousal support for herself and has asked the court to deny the singer’s request for any.
The divorce comes as Akon, 51, continues to publicly defend his views on polygamy, a practice he has long associated with his cultural background.
In a 2022 appearance on The Zeze Mills Show, he described polygamy as natural within his heritage, saying, “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal, because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world. See, the flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”
Akon, who has acknowledged having nine children, has often spoken about balancing family responsibilities with his demanding career. He admitted that while he ensures financial stability and support for his family, his presence at everyday events is limited.
“My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals,” he said in the same 2022 interview. “While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that.”
He added that technology has helped him remain connected:
“Me showing up for my children is me being there for them financially. I’m there if I’m around. But it’s impossible to be everywhere and every place. And technology allows me to be there every day, FaceTime and other methods.”
Neither Akon nor Thiam has released an official statement since the filing.
