Oyindamola Olaleye 
Senegalese-American Singer Akon is facing marital challenges as his wife, Tomeka Thiam, has officially filed for divorce just days before what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary.
According to court documents obtained on Saturday, the filing was made in Fulton County, Georgia, on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
According to the court document, Thiam is seeking to end the marriage on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.
The couple, who share one daughter, are now headed for a custody battle. Thiam has requested joint legal custody but asked the court to grant her primary physical custody, with visitation rights extended to Akon.
She is also demanding spousal support while requesting the court to deny any such claims from the Grammy-nominated singer.
READ ALSO:
- Senegal Dumps Akon’s $6bn Wakanda-Inspired City Project
- ID Cabasa Reacts To Akon’s Claims Of Creating Afrobeat Genre
- Why Elon Musk Is Fighting For White S’Africans – Akon
This development comes as Akon, 51, continues to defend his outspoken stance on polygamy, a subject he has frequently tied to his cultural heritage.
In a 2022 appearance on The Zeze Mills Show, Akon described polygamy as a natural and traditional practice within his background.
He said, “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal, because it’s a culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world.”
The singer, who has openly acknowledged having nine children, has often spoken about the challenges of balancing his family responsibilities with the demands of his global career.
“He previously admitted that while he prioritises financial stability for his loved ones, his physical presence at everyday events is limited.
“My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals. 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,” Akon said in the 2022 interview.
He further explained that technology helps him remain connected, highlighting how FaceTime and other tools allow him to check in on his children daily despite his hectic schedule.
