St. Louis native Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known to the world as Akon, has long been a global icon, blending infectious R&B beats with entrepreneurial ambition. Born in the Gateway City, Akon’s journey took him from the streets of St. Louis to international stardom, with hits like “Locked Up” and “Smack That” cementing his legacy. But in recent years, the spotlight has shifted to a bold, yet ultimately abandoned, project: Akon City, a $6 billion futuristic metropolis planned for Senegal, Africa. For a St. Louis native, this dream of a “real-life Wakanda” has crumbled, leaving behind questions about ambition, mismanagement, and the challenges of turning vision into reality.
Akon announced his grand plan for Akon City in 2018, inspired by the fictional African utopia from Marvel’s *Black Pa nther*. The project aimed to transform a 136-acre coastal site near Mbodiène, Senegal—where Akon spent part of his childhood—into a high-tech, eco-friendly city powered by renewable energy and his own cryptocurrency, Akoin. With promises of skyscrapers, shopping malls, hospitals, and job opportunities for locals, the initiative was pitched as a beacon of innovation and a homecoming for the African diaspora, including St. Louisans with roots in the continent.
The project kicked off with fanfare in 2020, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Senegalese officials. Early renderings showcased a futuristic landscape, drawing comparisons to Wakanda’s sleek design. However, despite the hype, progress stalled. By mid-2024, the site remained largely undeveloped, with only an unfinished welcome center standing amidst grazing livestock. Funding shortages, regulatory hurdles, and the faltering value of Akoin—rejected as legal tender by Senegal’s Central Bank—plagued the endeavor. Akon himself admitted to mismanagement, taking responsibility for the project’s woes.
The turning point came in July 2025, when Senegalese authorities, led by tourism official Serigne Mamadou Mboup, declared the original Akon City plan abandoned. The government repossessed most of the land, citing missed payments and unmet deadlines. Locals, who had hoped for economic revitalization, expressed disappointment, while Akon and officials agreed to pivot to a more modest, realistic development—details of which remain unclear.
For St. Louis hip-hop fans, this collapse is a poignant chapter in Akon’s story. A city known for producing talents like Nelly and Chingy, St. Louis has always celebrated its musical exports. Akon’s attempt to build a legacy beyond music resonated with the community’s pride in global influence. Yet, the failure of Akon City highlights the risks of overambition without solid groundwork—a lesson that echoes in the local music scene’s own ups and downs.
Akon’s dream may be deferred, but his St. Louis roots and entrepreneurial spirit endure. As Senegal explores new plans for the site, perhaps a scaled-back project can still honor his vision. For now, the abandoned Akon City stands as a reminder that even the boldest beats can hit a sour note when the rhythm of reality sets in. Stay tuned to STL Hip Hop for more updates on this evolving story.
—
*STL Hip Hop is your source for the latest in St. Louis music and culture. Follow @stlhiphop everywhere.*
 |
|
