)
)
Akon’s ambitious urban development venture, the proposed “Akon City” in Senegal, has been officially cancelled by the country's tourism agency.
Announced in 2018 as a smart metropolis powered by the Akoin cryptocurrency, the project was intended to mirror the futuristic vision of Wakanda in Marvel’s Black Panther.
By mid‑2025 the site remained undeveloped, lacking basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity.
Senegal’s tourism development body, SAPCO, stated that "Akon City no longer exists" and that discussions are under way to replace it with a more modest resort in Mbodiène, Senegal.
Akon City was the brainchild of Senegalese-American artist and entrepreneur Akon, envisioned as a futuristic, crypto-powered smart city that would redefine development in Africa.
Who is Akon?
Born Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam on April 16 1973 in Dakar, Senegal, Akon spent his earliest years in the town of Mwoundaye before moving to the United States of America at the age of seven, following the death of his father.
He was raised in Union City, New Jersey, and its diverse culture and urban challenges profoundly influenced his musical outlook.
As an adolescent he performed at local venues and honed his vocal style by imitating the R&B and hip‑hop acts he admired.
Breakout star
)
Senegalese-American rapper Akon, pictured in June 2015
Akon’s breakthrough came in 2004 with the release of his debut album, 'Trouble'.
Its lead single, 'Locked Up', drew on his personal experience as an ex-convict and reached the top ten in several countries.
The follow‑up single, 'Lonely', sampled Bobby Vinton’s 'Mr Lonely' and became a global hit, reaching number one in at least six territories.
Trouble’s blend of smooth vocals and candid lyricism established Akon as both a chart‑topping artist and a voice for those facing hardship.
In 2006 he returned with his second album, 'Konvicted,' which cemented his status as a global star.
The singles 'Smack That,' featuring Eminem, and 'I Wanna Love You,' featuring Snoop Dogg, both reached the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100.
The album sold more than nine million copies, showcasing Akon’s ability to bridge genres and collaborate effectively with artists across the musical spectrum.
His third studio album, 'Freedom (2008),' continued this trend by embracing elements of dance and pop.
READ ALSO: Singer Akon signs tourism deal in Senegal homeland
Beyond music
Beyond performance, Akon has cultivated a reputation as an entrepreneur.
)
Akon at a past press conference
He founded the labels Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution, signing acts such as Lady Gaga, T‑Pain and Kardinal Offishall.
These ventures have expanded his influence behind the scenes and contributed to the discovery of several prominent artists.
At the same time he established the Konfidence Foundation, through which he has supported education and healthcare projects in Africa, and launched the Akon Lighting Africa initiative in 2014, aiming to bring solar power to more than five million people across fifteen countries.
READ MORE: Rapper lights up two more African nations
Akon city
)
Akon's ‘Akon City’ in Senegal
The Akon City project marked a bold expansion of these philanthropic ambitions into urban planning.
Promoted as a cryptocurrency‑driven metropolis with residential, commercial and educational zones, it faced repeated delays and financing shortfalls.
In July 2025 the government repossessed the land grant after the developers failed to meet payment deadlines.
The consortium behind the project has since shifted focus to a scaled‑down tourism resort in Mbodiène, Senegal, signalling a move towards more achievable development goals.
READ ALSO: 'Home back home': Rapper Akon plans $6bn city in Senegal homeland
Personal life
Away from the stage and boardroom, Akon focuses on faith and family.
A devout Muslim, he abstains from alcohol and observes his religious practices closely.
Akon pictured with his family
He divides his time between four wives and nine children, yet deliberately keeps his family life private, preferring to shield loved ones from the public eye.
READ MORE: Akon Just Finalized an Agreement to Build 'Akon City' in Senegal
Latest hits
In parallel with his entrepreneurial pursuits, Akon has remained musically active.
His late 2024 single 'Akon’s Beautiful Day' has performed well on rhythmic radio formats and has become a favourite for user‑generated clips on TikTok.
In mid‑2025 he released a collaborative re‑recording of his 2008 hit 'Right Now (Na Na Na)' with Canadian country‑pop artist Josh Ross.