Senegalese-American artist Akon is a five-time Grammy nominee who has sold over 35 million records worldwide and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in popular music, such as Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga and David Guetta.

The musician, songwriter, and producer, who was born in the US but spent much of his childhood in Senegal, is also an activist and a philanthropist - and he has turned his sights on helping Africa.

How many African-Americans do you know actually consider Africa as a vacation spot? Not one... Even just for knowledge, just to know where they came from, just to get an idea of what that is; there is so much fear instilled in them that they wouldn't even want to go there to visit. You mention Africa, they start shaking.

Akon

His current ambitious project, "Akon Lighting Africa," is working to bring solar-powered electricity to Africans in 49 countries by the end of 2020.

Akon is also an ambassador for the non-profit organisation Peace One Day. Last year, he and actor Jude Law brought their celebrity power to Goma to a concert to promote peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But Akon has also caused controversy through his performance style and his lyrics.

Akon talks to Al Jazeera about running his musical career as a business; his projects - both philanthropic and artistic; singing songs for peace and whether he thinks it can really make an impact; and being an African in the US.

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