Akon is back to performing after being briefly detained in Georgia last week. The 52-year-old singer, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, was arrested on November 7 by the Chamblee Police Department on an outstanding warrant issued from Roswell. Jail records show that he was taken to DeKalb County Jail just after noon and released around 6:30 p.m. after being processed. Officials confirmed his arrest but have not revealed what the warrant was for.
The “Locked Up” hitmaker posed for a mugshot while wearing a black hoodie, appearing calm and expressionless. Though the reason for the warrant remains unclear, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office verified that he was in custody for about six hours before being released. CBS News Atlanta has contacted local authorities for additional details.
Akon’s brief time behind bars echoes earlier moments in his life. Before becoming an international star, he spent several months in jail in 1998 over car theft allegations that were eventually dropped. Years later, in 2008, he pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment for throwing a teenage fan off a stage during a concert in New York, receiving community service and a fine as part of his sentence.
Now, the Senegalese American artist is focused on his global tour. After performing in Delhi on November 9, he’s set to take the stage in Bengaluru on November 14 and Mumbai on November 16. He also has a show lined up in Las Vegas on January 3, 2026. Known for blending his music career with philanthropic and business projects in Africa, Akon has not publicly addressed the recent arrest. Still, his quick release suggests that the issue may soon be behind him as he continues performing for fans across the world.
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