Tomeka Thiam (also known as Tomeka Thiam) is an African-American entrepreneur and the longtime (now estranged) wife of Senegalese-American singer Akon (real name Aliaune Badara Thiam). She gained widespread attention in September 2025 when she filed for divorce after nearly 29 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
Key Facts About Tomeka Thiam:- Background & Age: Born in the United States in 1975 (currently in her early 50s as of 2026), she is Christian and has maintained a low-profile life despite her husband's global fame.
- Career & Business: Tomeka is a successful independent businesswoman and the owner of Salon Saison (also referred to as A LA Saison or Salon A LA Saison) in Atlanta, Georgia, which she founded in 2012. The salon specializes in professional hair and beauty services and has grown into one of the city's top spots through her hard work, giving her financial independence (her business is valued at around $500,000 based on reports).
- Marriage & Family: She met Akon in the early 1990s (around 1993) and they married on September 15, 1996. They share one daughter, Journey (born around 2008, age 17 at the time of the filing). Tomeka has kept their family life private, away from major scandals, even as Akon has openly discussed his views on polygamy and having nine children from various relationships.
- The Divorce: On September 11, 2025 (just days before their 29th anniversary), Tomeka filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. She requested joint legal custody of Journey but primary physical custody for herself, plus visitation for Akon. She also sought spousal support while asking the court to deny any to Akon. In November 2025, Akon responded by opposing spousal support entirely and pushing for joint physical custody. As of March 2026, the case remains ongoing with no final settlement publicly confirmed—claims of massive payouts (like €100 million) or Akon having only $10,000 in assets are unverified social media rumors and clickbait, not supported by official reports from TMZ, People, Billboard, or E! News.
- Other Details: Tomeka has occasionally been linked to music under the name Amirror (releasing singles and an album), but her main focus has been her business and family. She's emphasized living independently and in peace post-filing.
After nearly 28 years of marriage, renowned Senegalese-American artist Akon and his longtime wife Tomeka Thiam have officially decided to divorce. Tomeka filed for divorce just a few days before their 29th wedding anniversary (September 15, 2025), citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the breakdown of their marriage.
The custody situation for their daughter Journey (now approximately 18, born ~2008) remains unresolved in the ongoing Los Angeles Superior Court divorce.No new hearings, agreements, final rulings, or breakthroughs have been reported in 2026 from reliable sources like TMZ, People, Billboard, or E! News. The case continues quietly since late 2025.Key Details from Verified Court Filings:
- Tomeka Thiam's Original Request (September 2025):
Joint legal custody (shared decisions on education, health, etc.) but primary physical custody of Journey—meaning the teen would primarily live with her, and Akon would have visitation rights. She also sought spousal support. - Akon's Response (November 2025):
He requested joint legal and joint physical custody (equal/50-50 shared living and involvement). He opposed spousal support for Tomeka (and she asked the court to deny any for him).
Reliable outlets show no updates—the case proceeds without public drama.
Ignore unverified claims (e.g., €100M settlements, Akon with only $10K, hidden assets)—these are social media clickbait without official backing.The 29-year marriage (married September 15, 1996) ended over irreconcilable differences, amid differing family/financial views.
Tomeka focuses on her Atlanta salon (A LA Saison) and independence; Akon on music/projects.Wishing peace for Journey and the family
The news shocked fans worldwide—the couple's long relationship stayed low-key, free of major scandals. Tomeka lived privately despite Akon's stardom.
Tomeka is a successful businesswoman owning A LA Saison salon in Atlanta (founded 2012). Her hard work made it a top spot, providing respect and financial independence (~$500,000 business value).
The filing reignited discussions on Akon's views on polygamy.In a widely cited 2013 Vibe/TMZ interview, he said:
"I don’t know no one woman that can satisfy every man’s one need. It’s impossible. [...] Men are put on this earth to breed and the reason why God put multiple women on this earth is for that."He has long framed it as cultural (Senegalese heritage), practical, and natural—stating men are "natural breeders by nature" and polygamy reduces pressure compared to monogamy.In the Drink Champs podcast (2023 episode), Akon emphasized transparency:
"I keep it 100 from day one [...] From day 1 you have to tell her what it is."He referenced having multiple wives (often cited as four) and nine children from different relationships, stressing affordability and equality. These resurfaced comments add context to the private marriage's end amid speculation.
Tomeka stresses peace and independence after nearly 30 years. Born 1975 (Christian, African-American), she's built success beyond her marriage to Akon—focusing on family, business, and self-reliance.They met early 1990s, wed 1996, share Journey. Filing: September 2025, near 29th anniversary.

