Akon Is Building His Own ‘Real-Life Wakanda’ With His Own Currency Called Akoin

21 June 2018, 13:10

US hip hop artist Akon (L) attends the launching ceremony of the West African Energy Leaders Group (AELG) on June 30, 2015 in Abidjan. (SIA KAMBOU/AFP/Getty Images)
US hip hop artist Akon (L) attends the launching ceremony of the West African Energy Leaders Group (AELG) on June 30, 2015 in Abidjan. (SIA KAMBOU/AFP/Getty Images). Picture: Getty

The musician-turned-philanthropist is launching his own cryptocurrency.

Akon is launching an initiative to build his own city in Senegal with his own cryptocurrency as the main means of exchange.

The 45-year-old Grammy Award-winner announced at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on Monday (18th June) that he is launching his own digital currency, aptly named 'Akoin'.

In conjunction with the new currency - which, according to the official website, aims to become a stable currency alternative throughout Africa - the company are also developing a crypto-based city in Senegal, Akon's homeland.

Named 'Akon Crypto City', the city is described on the website as a "real-life Wakanda", comparing it to the fictional African country prominently featured in Marvel's 'Black Panther' films and comics.

Recording artist Akon performs onstage with DJ Matoma during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2 at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2016 in Indio, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images for Coachella)
Recording artist Akon performs onstage with DJ Matoma during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2 at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2016 in Indio, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images for Coachella). Picture: Getty

The city will contain residential buildings, retails, parks, stadiums, light manufacturing, universities, and schools, and is built on a 2,000-acre plot of land gifted by the president of Senegal to Akon.

"Akon Crypto City has opportunities for brands, businesses and high-profile individuals to create amazing, inclusive experiences in a futuristic environment and welcomes anyone looking to step into the future." the site reads.

According to Page Six, when asked technical questions about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, Akon quipped, “I come with the concepts and let the geeks figure it out.”

In 2014, Akon founded 'Akon Lighting Africa', which has provided electricity via solar energy throughout 18 countries in Africa to date.

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