Akon is refuting claims that his $6 billion Akon City development in Senegal has been scrapped.

In an interview with TMZ Hip Hop throughout a current journey to New York City, the Grammy-nominated artist clarified that whereas development delays have occurred, stories of the undertaking’s collapse are deceptive and rooted in dangerous religion.

Originally introduced in 2018, Akon City was envisioned as a futuristic good metropolis powered by renewable power and rooted in pan-African design, drawing aesthetic inspiration from Marvel’s Black Panther. The undertaking promised innovation, tourism, and financial growth in Akon’s native Senegal. However, after years of minimal seen progress, on-line critics have forged doubt on its viability.

Akon dismissed the skepticism, labeling it “misinformation” and accusing unnamed detractors—whom he likened to “Killmonger-type” figures—of trying to derail efforts to construct African-led infrastructure. He maintained that growth is ongoing, although gradual, and asserted that the narrative surrounding the undertaking has been warped by these wanting to see it fail.

He additionally alluded to high-profile buyers nonetheless engaged in talks, noting the significance of safeguarding their confidence and belief. According to Akon, this stage of world resistance is emblematic of a broader development: the undermining of bold, Black-led worldwide ventures.

Despite the controversy surrounding Akon City, the artist stays energetic in different artistic arenas. He revealed that his long-awaited nation album is nearing completion, with about 60 p.c of the undertaking recorded.

Akon stated he has been working carefully with Rascal Flatts’ frontman Gary LeVox in Nashville, committing to a deliberate, immersive course of that prioritizes authenticity over novelty. Rather than method the style from a superficial angle, he defined, the album displays a deeper respect for nation music’s heritage and storytelling custom.

The twin pursuits—city planning and style crossover—spotlight Akon’s dedication to constructing extra than simply leisure manufacturers. His long-term ambitions counsel a deal with legacy, each in cultural expression and tangible infrastructure. He acknowledged the challenges, significantly in launching a $6 billion metropolis in West Africa, however framed the timeline as reasonable reasonably than disappointing.

While critics proceed to query the destiny of Akon City, the artist stays agency in his imaginative and prescient. Whether by means of structure or music, he’s betting on concepts that outlast headlines and refusing to scale down his aspirations.