Global R&B icon Akon is facing a new chapter in his personal life as his longtime wife, Tomeka Thiam, has filed for divorce after nearly three decades of marriage.
The news broke just weeks before the couple would have celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary, marking a bittersweet turn for the internationally celebrated singer and philanthropist.
According to court documents obtained by People Magazine, Thiam officially filed her petition on September 11, 2025, at the Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia.
She cited irreconcilable differences as the grounds for ending the marriage, a standard legal term that suggests the couple has reached a point where their differences cannot be resolved.
In the filing, Thiam is asking the court for joint legal custody of their daughter, but she is also seeking primary physical custody, which would allow her daughter to live primarily with her while granting Akon visitation rights.
Additionally, she has requested spousal support, while also asking that Akon be denied any claims for financial support in return.
The divorce filing comes as a shock to fans who have long admired the couple’s resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
The pair share one daughter together and have been married since the mid-1990s, with next month marking what would have been their 29th anniversary.
The announcement also comes amid renewed conversations about Akon’s outspoken views on polygamy, a practice deeply tied to his Senegalese heritage.
Over the years, Akon has openly defended polygamy, arguing that it aligns with African cultural traditions and provides a natural framework for relationships.
In a 2022 interview on The Zeze Mills Show, Akon explained his perspective on polygamy, calling it a “natural” practice within his cultural background.
He criticized Western systems for imposing rules that, in his view, did not take human nature into account.
“Polygamy is part of our culture,” Akon said during the interview.
“For me, it looks normal because it’s what we grew up with. The Western world made the mistake of creating rules without considering nature.”
The singer, now 51 years old, has publicly acknowledged fathering nine children with different women.
He often notes that while his demanding career limits the time he can physically spend with his family, he ensures they are well cared for financially.
In that same 2022 conversation, he bluntly stated, “My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals.
My responsibility is to make sure the family has a roof and food. If I have the time to show love, yes, I will, but my role is to provide stability.”
Akon also highlighted how technology helps him stay connected with his children, emphasizing that tools like FaceTime allow him to remain present even when work keeps him on the move.
So far, neither Akon nor Thiam has issued a public statement regarding the divorce proceedings.
Their silence has fueled widespread speculation among fans and followers, particularly given the timing of the split so close to their wedding anniversary.
Industry observers suggest that the divorce could intensify the spotlight on Akon’s controversial family philosophy and lifestyle.
For years, critics have questioned how his personal choices align with the realities of marriage, fatherhood, and his public image as a global star.
While Akon faces this personal setback, his career remains active.
In addition to his musical legacy—marked by global hits such as Lonely and Locked Up—the singer has expanded into entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
His Akon Lighting Africa initiative, launched in 2014, has brought renewable energy solutions to millions across the continent, cementing his reputation as more than just a performer.
Nevertheless, the divorce proceedings add another layer of complexity to his public image, balancing between his role as an advocate for African culture and his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Legal experts note that divorce proceedings of this nature, especially involving public figures, can be lengthy and closely scrutinized.
With requests for spousal support, custody arrangements, and potential division of marital assets, the court case may reveal further details about the couple’s private life in the months to come.
For now, the world watches as Akon navigates this deeply personal chapter, one that may redefine not just his marriage but also the way fans perceive the man behind the music.