Akon's given name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam.[8] Some sources have written his name as Aliaune Badara Thiam or Alioune Badara Thiam.[9] Other sources say his name is Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam ([2]) However, About.com claims that this middle name has never been independently verified.[10] In addition, some media institutions have incorrectly reported that he was born in 1981. Sources such as the AP have indicated he was born in 1973. Legal documents released by The Smoking Gun list his name as Aliaune Damala Thiam and date of birth as 1973-04-30[11] or 1973-04-16.[12] According to the Smoking Gun article, "By all indications, he was born April 16, 1973."[13] When asked his age during an interview with VIBE, Akon reportedly responded, "The only thing I hide is my age... before I lie to you, I'd rather say nothing.
