Art & Style

Akon Hosts Launch Party in LA for New Cryptocurrency

Published on August 22, 2018

Grammy-nominated musician Akon recently celebrated the launch of his cryptocurrency with a star-studded event in LA attended by many of his celebrity friends, tech developers and entrepreneurs.

The cryptocurrency, called AKoin, is designed to be an option for people in developing nations who seek to use a stable currency that is separate from local governments, which have been plagued by corruption and scandals involving their banking systems.

The goal is to open up channels, such as crowdfunding, that will enable individuals to gain access to educational materials, tools and resources needed to help countries focus on entrepreneurship.

Akon, who was born in St. Louis and raised in Senegal, hopes the cryptocurrency can be used to create a city/state in Senegal where entrepreneurs can thrive. The creation of the cryptocurrency builds on other initiatives launched by Akon to bring stability and infrastructure to underdeveloped regions in Africa, including his Lighting Africa project which is bringing solar power to several nations.

Among the celebrities who attended the AKoin launch party at the Palihouse in West Hollywood included CeeLo, Young M.A., Garcelle Beauvais, Isiah Washington, Tanika Ray, Stephen Belafonte and Mally Mal.

See Human Nature photos from the Akoin launch party below.