Akon’s Wife, Tomeka Thiam, Files for Divorce After Nearly 30 Years of Marriage

After almost three decades together, Tomeka Thiam, wife of Senegalese-American singer Akon, has officially filed for divorce.

According to court filings obtained by TMZ, Tomeka revealed that she and Akon married in September 1996. Now, she is ending the union, citing irreconcilable differences as her reason.

The couple share a 17-year-old child, and Tomeka has requested joint legal custody while seeking physical custody. She is also asking for spousal support, while at the same time requesting that the court deny Akon any claim to support from her.

Akon, known not just for his music career but also for his philanthropic projects in Africa, has often kept his marital life vague. He has in the past hinted at practicing polygamy but rarely confirmed details. Tomeka’s legal filing, however, makes her stance clear and official.

So far, Akon has not publicly commented on the divorce.

Opinion: A Marriage Tested by Fame and Time

Akon and Tomeka’s marriage stood the test of nearly 30 years—a milestone few couples, even outside the spotlight, can claim. But celebrity unions face unique pressures: relentless public scrutiny, constant travel, and lifestyles that rarely allow for a “normal” rhythm.

While many will speculate on the reasons behind Tomeka’s decision, what stands out is her quiet strength. After decades of standing beside one of music’s most recognizable figures, she is now choosing a new chapter for herself.

For Akon, this may be a moment of reckoning. His influence in music and business remains intact, but personal relationships often reveal the cost of fame.

At the end of the day, this divorce reminds us that even the longest-lasting love stories sometimes need to end so that both parties can find peace, growth, and perhaps even rediscover happiness—separately.