Cryptocurrency, bitcoin, AKoin= Akon City…

Have you heard? If not, you’re gonna wanna hear this. Well, more like “read” this in your case. I’ve confessed this to you before, but I'll remind you again. This platform is not for celebrity reports nor does it serve as a news outlet. However, it’s used for matters that I find interesting. This topic just happens to be about a celebrity. Don’t think the M.O has changed just because of this one blog. Ok? Ok. Good. Now let’s talk. 

How much do you know about Cryptocurrency? Wait. Before I get into that, let me ask you this. How much do you know about Akon City? Anything? No? Ok, let me share some knowledge with you. You all know Akon. For those of you who don’t know him, he is a singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was born in St. Louis MO to African parents from Senegal. He and his parents returned to Senegal when he was young. He lived there till he was 7 years young. I hope this is enough background information for you, because I don’t plan on sharing his biography here. If you want to know more about him, please google him. 

Akon started a project in 2014 named “ Akon Lighting Africa”. This project was designed to bring a solution to the lack of electricity in Africa. With the right amount of research, engineering, and solar power, “Akon lighting Africa” has provided electricity to over 14 countries in Africa reaching over 1 million household. This is where I have to stop and applaud the man. As a philanthropist myself, I understand the importance of changing lives, and the impact it has on the one who chooses to make a difference. See, you may not understand the magnitude of this because you may have never experienced blackout. Before I became exposed to the luxury of 24/7 electricity or hot water ect… I used burning lamps to study when I didn’t have electricity in Haiti. I remember my mother boiling water to take me a shower. Therefore, I take this kind of project very seriously. Ok. Enough about my feelings. It gets better.

Akon was recently gifted 2,000 acres of land by the president of Senegal, Macky Sall  to create his own city. According to him, the new city would trade exclusively in his own digital cash currency called AKoin. Yes, you read that right. Going back to cryptocurrency, for those of you who don’t know what cryptocurrency, bitcoin, and AKoin are, they are a type of currency which uses digital files as money- that’s the best way I can explain it. In addition, it’s decentralized; meaning you don’t need a bank to hold your money. It’s all digital- which reduces the risk for fraud, manipulation or control by centralized authorities ie---- BANKS. Tell me, do you know what Chase or Bank of America is doing with the money in your checking or saving account? Probably not. Your money is probably trading stocks as you read this and you wouldn't know. Well, that stops with crypto. Honestly, you’d just have to do your own research on the topic. But, going back to Akon city, the entire city will run on one currency- AKoin. 

Dash, why are you blogging about this? I’m glad you ask! Here’s my perspective on this: number 1, I want to bring this man’s work to light. I want to sing his praise. Here is another black man CHANGING THE WORLD! Not just the world, but AFRICA!  Where he is from, where most of France’s and America’s resources are from. BUUUTT, no one is talking about it. Can you tell me WHY? Number 2, A huge percentage of this Akon- AKoin project is being supported by CHINA!!! Yes, China is investing/trading Bitcoin into this project. Does China have a secret agenda for this whole thing? I’m pretty sure. So what do we do? Do we celebrate this partnership or stand against it? I’ll tell you what I think if you tell me.

Let’s talk about this. I really want to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates. 

One of the proposed building typologies, features biomorphic ridges. (Courtesy of Hussein Bakri/BAD Consultant/Semer Group)

The city will be cut up by main arterial roadways. (Courtesy of Hussein Bakri/BAD Consultant/Semer Group)

Sinuous curves define the buildings of Akon City. (Courtesy of Hussein Bakri/BAD Consultant/Semer Group)