Akon Ready to Launch His Own Cryptocurrency

American singer, Akon can now be added to the list of stars who are starting their own digital currency.

On Monday at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the 45-year-old announced that he will not only be starting his own digital currency “Akoin”, but will also utilize it in his Akon Crypto City, a fully crypto-based city in Africa.

Initially reported by Page Six, Akon explained at Cannes Lions:

“I believe that blockchain and crypto might be the savior for Africa in several ways due to the fact it delivers the power back to the populations, and delivers the safety back into the currency system, and also permits the people to make use of it in ways where they can improve themselves, and not let the government do those things that are keeping them down.”

The new city, based on the coin’s website, which is already under construction, is a 2,000-acre plot of land given by the president of Senegal, Macky Sall, to the singer. This “real-life Wakanda”, as the website calls it, (making reference to the city showcased in the Black Panther film and comics) shall be set-up with everything a standard would normally have from retails, residential buildings, parks, to universities and schools.

Akon responded by saying when asked about technology specifics relating to his digital currency, that:

“I bring out the ideas and allow the geeks figure it out.”

Most commonly known for his music, the Senegal-descent musician has typically shifted his career focus to giving back to African populations in recent times. He introduced a venture named Akon Lighting Africa in 2014 geared at dealing with electricity scarcity issues in Africa.

“Start your career with what you’re great at… not what you want to do. Build your career then chase your passion,” he said.