Akon's journey to global stardom, marked by hits like “Lonely” and collaborations with music titans such as Snoop Dogg and Lady Gaga, is a testament to his undeniable talent and business acumen. However, in a candid interview on The Morning Hustle radio show, the multi-platinum artist revealed a fascinating and somewhat humorous strategy he employed during the whirlwind of his early career: utilizing his brothers as body doubles to meet the overwhelming demands of his burgeoning fame. This eye-opening admission provides a unique glimpse into the intense pressures of the entertainment industry and the creative, if unconventional, solutions some artists resort to.
The interview, set against the backdrop of public fascination with celebrity lifestyles, saw the then-49-year-old Akon, known for his straightforwardness, finally addressing long-standing rumors with his characteristic candor. "Let me clear some things up so we all know,” he began with a chuckle. “Bu was my double. He was my double. This was before the internet. If you saw Abou in one place and you saw me, you couldn’t tell the difference.”
It's easy to picture the scene: eager fans waiting for Akon to appear, perhaps a quick check of their pre-internet flip phones, only to be greeted by the familiar face of Bu, Akon's brother. The success of this elaborate plan hinged not only on Bu's close resemblance to Akon but also on the sheer audacity and pre-digital anonymity of the era. Imagine a rising star finding an ingenious workaround to the relentless demands of fame – a clever strategy that allowed him to be in multiple places at once, ensuring both fan satisfaction and a steady stream of income.
As Akon recounted, his brother Abou, affectionately known as “Bu,” initially joined his team as a hype man, a common role for artists looking to energize their live performances. However, as Akon's popularity exploded, so did the number of requests for shows, appearances, and interviews. For an artist riding the crest of a rapidly escalating music career, it became a logistical and financial imperative to find a solution to the overwhelming schedule. “I was like, ‘Man, all this money I’m leaving on the table,’” Akon reminisced, highlighting his sharp business sense. The music industry is notoriously competitive, and missing out on lucrative gigs due to scheduling conflicts can mean significant financial losses.
However, Bu's role as a body double wasn't without its amusing limitations. Akon was quick to clarify a crucial detail: “No. He can’t sing. He can’t do none of that.” This humorous slice of reality underscores the absurdity of the situation – the idea of an artist sending his non-singing brother to lip-sync on stage while he juggled other commitments. One can only imagine the pressure on Bu to convincingly embody Akon on stage, mimicking his energy and interacting with fans, all while maintaining the illusion of authenticity.
Adding another layer to this intriguing family strategy was Akon’s other brother, Omar. According to Akon, Omar would sometimes take matters into his own hands, operating as a sort of "rogue" double. “Omar would be in another country, another city, getting money and I’d be like, ‘What? They booked me already,’” Akon recounted with laughter. The notion of two brothers capitalizing on Akon’s image, sometimes without explicit coordination, paints a comical picture of the chaotic nature of early celebrity payment systems and the sometimes-blurry lines of identity within family-run enterprises in the entertainment business.
While the tactic of using body doubles might not be entirely unique to Akon in the annals of celebrity lore, his personal account offers a fascinating and humorous example of the creative lengths one might go to maintain visibility and capitalize on the whirlwind of sudden fame. Many celebrities, even today, employ similar strategies, whether through look-alikes for public appearances, understudies for performances, or even utilizing advanced technology for virtual appearances. In Akon's case, his approach was deeply rooted in familial trust and a shared entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting how family can be a source of support, even in the most unconventional of professional situations.
Fast forward to the present day, and Akon stands as a respected elder statesman in the music industry. Over the years, his perspectives have evolved, and he has successfully transitioned into various ventures, including establishing his own influential record label and spearheading impactful initiatives in renewable energy with significant projects across Africa. His current lifestyle reflects a personal evolution, marked by a willingness to adapt, innovate, and navigate the complex landscape of the entertainment industry with a seasoned perspective.
Drawing parallels with contemporary figures who face similar overwhelming demands, one might consider artists like Kendrick Lamar or Taylor Swift. However, a significant difference lies in the pervasive influence of the internet age, where a constant digital presence now shapes how artists engage with their global fanbase. Akon's early era lacked such ubiquitous technology, creating a distinct landscape where personal branding and managing an intense schedule often relied on clever, and sometimes slightly deceptive, tactics like the resourceful use of trusted family members as body doubles.
