R&B STAR AKON EXTENDS HIS LEGACY BEYOND MUSIC TO BUILD AKON CITY, A $6 BILLION SUSTAINABLE, SMART METROPOLIS OF THE FUTURE

BY ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE

Circa 2021, the lingering sounds of Akon’s top hits like “Smack That” and “Lonely” may well be fading into the background, but the crooner’s talent is far from spent. Backed by a mega ghost investor, Akon is building a smart city in his birthplace of Senegal, South Africa. Powered by his crypto currency Akoin, this ambitious venture, a 2000 acre waterfront paradise, looks like a real life Wakanda. With shimmering glass paned skyscrapers in biomorphic forms meant to resemble African sculptures, plus lush palm trees, a stadium, and resort, Akon City hopes to boost Senegal’s tourism while generating local revenue. The city’s official website deems it “an extension of the sea into the land with waves diving deep into the roots of each building.” The heart of the metropolis will be anchored by the soaring Akon Tower, planned to exceed Senegal’s current tallest building, a 250 foot tall apartment building in Dakar. The project, helmed by Dubai based architect Hussein Bakri, is a philanthropic endeavor designed for the people, as the official website describes, “A venue for middle and high income residences, education, training services, and professional activities.” Akon City akoncity.com