After nearly three decades together, Tomeka Thiam, the longtime wife of Senegalese-American singer and producer Akon, has officially filed for divorce, marking the end of one of entertainment’s most enduring celebrity marriages. Court documents filed in Fulton County, Georgia, on September 11, 2025, reveal that Tomeka is seeking to dissolve their 29-year union, citing irreconcilable differences. 

The divorce filing arrived just days before what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary. Tomeka and Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Badara Thiam, tied the knot in 1996. The couple share one daughter together, Journey, now 17. According to the court papers, Tomeka is requesting joint legal custody but primary physical custody of Journey, with Akon granted visitation rights. She is also seeking spousal support and asking that the court deny any request by Akon for the same. 

Inside the Divorce Filing

The documents list the date of separation as “to be determined,” suggesting the couple may have been living apart for some time. Tomeka’s filing also calls for a fair division of their marital assets, though exact figures were not disclosed. Sources close to the couple told blogs that the split had been “a long time coming,” as the two had led “largely separate lives” in recent years.

Akon, 52, has not yet made a public statement regarding the divorce. Known for global hits such as Smack That, Lonely, and Locked Up, the multi-award-winning singer has often spoken candidly about his views on polygamy, which he attributes to his Senegalese roots. Over the years, Akon has revealed that he is the father of multiple children from different relationships.

While Tomeka Thiam has largely remained out of the public eye, she has been seen at key moments in Akon’s career, including philanthropic events and the launch of Akon City, his renewable-energy-focused smart city project in Senegal.

Fans have reacted to the news with a mix of surprise and empathy. Social media posts have been flooded with reflections on the couple’s long marriage and Akon’s unconventional views on relationships. Neither party has commented publicly on the filing beyond the court records made available in Atlanta.