The world-famous Senegalese-American singer and rapper, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, was filmed performing the Umrah pilgrimage in the traditional white clothing known as “ihram”.
Videos of Akon at the Kaabah, circulated on social media, with many expressing their surprise at seeing a different side to the rapper.
Although Akon is usually private about his religious beliefs, he previously disclosed in an interview how he feels about Islam. “The reason behind my success is faith in Almighty Allah and by following Islam,” he said.
It appears Akon traveled on to Mecca from Jeddah, where he performed last week. He was reportedly there with family and friends, according to media reports.
The 46-year old, who was born into a Muslim family in St Louis and has been a Muslim since birth, on April 16, 1973.
He added in his interview that he had been waiting to get to Saudi Arabia for years and he is planning to come back in April this year again.
Akon is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. Akon has had four songs certified as 3× platinum, three songs certified as 2× platinum, more than ten songs certified as 1× platinum and more than ten songs certified as gold in digital sales.
