You can now add Akon to the growing list of artists who have jumped on the cryptocurrency train.
The Senegal-raised singer recently announced the launch of his own digital currency fittingly dubbed Akoin. The venture will reportedly propel Akon’s Lighting Africa initiative, which aims to improve the country’s living conditions through the use of renewable energy. Akon spoke about his cryptocurrency during a panel at Cannes Lions 2018.
Speaking at a panel during Cannes Lions 2018, Akon said,
“I think that blockchain and crypto could be the savior for Africa in many ways because it brings the power back to the people and brings the security back into the currency system and also allows the people to utilize it in ways where they can advance themselves and not allow government to do those things that are keeping them down.”
He added that as part of the venture, he plans to create a “100 percent crypto-based city” on 2,000 acres of land. The Akoin website states that “this futuristic city already in development, beginning with 2,000 acres of land gifted to Akon from the President of Senegal, is within 5 minutes of the new international airport, close to the coast and a short drive from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal (Akon’s homeland)
When pressed about the technical aspects of Akoin and the crypto-based city, Akon responded: “I come with the concepts and let the geeks figure it out.”
He did, however, have a lot to say about his possible presidential run and the ways in which he would handle Donald Trump and even Kanye West.
“It’s gonna be entertaining, it’s gonna be something worth watching. I’m going to go after Trump and Kanye will get offended because he likes Trump and he’s going to go after me. Then I’m going to go after Kanye and then Trump’s going to get offended because he likes Kanye and he’s going to go after me. And the debate stage will be set where it’s all about me. It’s perfect, a masterplan.”
Earlier this year, Akon said he would give a 2020 Presidential Run a go with Facebook’s Mark Zuckerburg acting as his Vice President.
