American R&B singer Akon is moving ahead with plans to create a futuristic pan-African city in Senegal, announcing Monday that construction will begin next year on the $6 billion US project despite global tourism's uncertain future. The almost surrealist, water-like designs of Akon City were inspired by the shapes of traditional sculptures long made in Africa's villages, he said. However the gleaming structures of Akon City will be made of metal and glass, not wood. The singer acknowledged the comparisons made between Akon City and the utopian society in Black Panther, calling it an "honour." Plans eventually call for Akon City to have its own hospital, police station and even its own cryptocurrency already named AKoin.

Source: CBC News September 01, 2020 21:00 UTC