Akon's father, accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam, was in the audience too. "My father was a big influence, his example came from his work ethic, he didn't tell us what to do and what not to do.

Mononymously known as Akon, Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up".