Akon is firing back at swirling rumors that his ambitious $6 billion Akon City project in Senegal has been scrapped. In an exclusive interview with TMZ Hip Hop during a recent trip to New York City, the Grammy-nominated artist made it clear: “Akon City isn’t dead—it’s just taking time.”
The multi-hyphenate musician turned entrepreneur addressed years of speculation about the futuristic smart city, insisting that while progress has been slower than anticipated, the dream is far from over.
“There’s been a lot of misinformation out there,” Akon said. “People want to see it fail, but we’re still moving forward step by step.”
A Vision Straight Out of Wakanda
First unveiled in 2018, Akon City was hyped as a revolutionary urban hub inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther. Designed to run entirely on renewable energy, the city promised cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly architecture, and economic growth for Senegal and beyond.
At the time, Akon painted a bold vision: luxury resorts, advanced hospitals, smart homes, and a cryptocurrency-powered economy. Dubbed the “real-life Wakanda,” the project instantly became a global headline.
But over the years, visible progress stalled. Critics and skeptics began calling Akon City “a pipe dream” and accused the singer of overpromising. Some even questioned whether the project had ever been financially viable.
More Read
Akon: “Haters Want This to Fail”
Unfazed, Akon blames much of the negativity on bad faith actors he likens to Black Panther’s Killmonger.
“There are people who don’t want to see African-led initiatives succeed,” Akon said. “They’ll do anything to tear it down.”
He claims high-profile investors are still in discussions and emphasizes the importance of protecting their confidence.
“This isn’t just about a city—it’s about building a legacy for Africa,” he added.
Delays, Not Defeat
So why the hold-up? According to Akon, large-scale projects like Akon City require patience and perseverance.
“This is a $6 billion project in West Africa. Of course, it’s going to take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he said with a laugh.
The singer hinted that development is happening behind the scenes, albeit at a gradual pace, and asked fans to trust the process.
Not Just a City Builder: Akon’s Country Music Pivot
While Akon juggles urban planning, he’s also venturing into uncharted territory musically. The artist revealed that his long-awaited country album is nearly 60% complete—and he’s going all in.
Teaming up with Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox in Nashville, Akon says he’s taking a deep dive into the genre to ensure the project feels authentic.
“It’s not just a gimmick,” Akon explained. “Country music is about storytelling, and I respect that. I want this album to reflect real heart and soul.”
This surprising creative move has fans buzzing—and critics intrigued.
Building a Legacy Beyond Headlines
Akon’s dual pursuits in urban planning and genre-crossing music underscore his larger-than-life ambitions.
“It’s not about today’s headlines—it’s about what I leave behind,” Akon said.
Whether he’s reimagining cityscapes or country music, Akon insists he’s in it for the long haul. And for Akon City, the story is far from over.
???? What Do You Think?
Do you believe Akon City will eventually come to life—or is it destined to remain a dream? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to The Pop Radar for more exclusive updates on Akon!
