Akon has taken steps to ensure he's "legally recognised" as the father of two boys.

The hip-hop star filed paternity documents in court last month to become the legal dad of two children born in 2008 and 2009, according to US website TMZ.

A source close to the 39-year-old star insists that "Akon has been a father to the boys since they were born, and this is just a necessary step to make sure he is legally recognised as such."

TMZ reports that Akon has asked the court to grant him joint legal custody of his two sons. Such a decision will allow the singer to be involved in all major aspects of their life and to establish child support.

The R&B star has allegedly also requested that the boys be eligible to inherit from him. He has asked that they keep his surname Thiam.

Akon has previously claimed that he has multiple children with three different women, maintaining he has healthy relationships with them all.

He also stated and that he wishes to keep his family protected from the media.