Akon’s wife, Tomeka Thiam files for divorce

Tomeka Thiam, wife of Senegalese-American music star Akon, has filed for divorce just four days before their 29th wedding anniversary.

Court documents obtained by PEOPLE show that Thiam submitted the filing on Thursday, September 11, citing irreconcilable differences.

Though she did not state the date of separation, she confirmed that the couple shares a 17-year-old daughter, Journey.

In the filing, Thiam requested joint legal custody of Journey while seeking primary physical custody. She also asked for spousal support but urged the court not to award any financial support to Akon, 52.

Akon, born Aliaune Thiam, has long been open about his belief in polygamy. In a 2022 interview on The Zeze Mills Show, he disclosed that he has nine children, describing polygamy as an integral part of his African heritage.

“For me, it looks normal, because it’s culture for us,” the singer explained. “The flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”

The “Smack That” and “Don’t Matter” hitmaker further stated that while he is not always present for holidays or school events, he remains committed to raising his children and supporting their mothers. “My job is to raise my kids to be responsible, to be understanding, and to protect their mother,” he said.

In 2023, artist Amirror claimed she was one of Akon’s four wives, revealing that the women live separately in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Africa. She described their arrangement as cultural, saying: “Every woman wants to be the only one, and it’s okay. But this is our culture—you either accept it or you don’t.”

The divorce filing adds a new twist to the singer’s unconventional family life, which has continued to spark global conversations about marriage, culture, and polygamy.