Singer and rapper Akon said he practices polyamory and has multiple wives who are prohibited from having other partners.
The revelation provides insight into the personal life and social philosophy of the 53-year-old [1] artist, who has spent more than a decade living in Dubai [2].
During a May 19, 2024, episode of the "We Need to Talk" podcast, Akon discussed his views on relationship structures [3]. He said polyamory is a natural behavior for men [4]. According to Akon, the rules established within his personal relationships are intended to control that behavior [4].
While some reports describe his situation as having multiple wives, other sources specify that he has four wives [5]. He said that these wives are banned from having other partners [6].
"Polyamory is a natural behavior for men," Akon said during the podcast [4]. He further explained the necessity of structure in such arrangements, saying, "Now, because of the rules that (are) set around us, we control that behaviour to..." [4].
The artist's comments highlight a distinction between his own practice of polyamory and the restrictions he places on his partners [6]. This arrangement creates a one-sided exclusivity agreement within his household.
“"Polyamory is a natural behavior for men,"”
Akon's description of his household deviates from common modern definitions of polyamory, which typically emphasize consensual non-monogamy and equal agency for all partners. By implementing a ban on his wives having other partners while he maintains multiple spouses, Akon is describing a polygynous structure rather than a reciprocal polyamorous one.
