Akon, born Alioune Badara Thiam, is not just a global music icon but also a businessman and philanthropist with a keen eye for real estate. Over the years, the Senegalese-American star has built an impressive property portfolio in the United States while also spearheading one of Africa’s most ambitious urban development projects. From luxury mansions in Atlanta and Los Angeles to his multi-billion-dollar Akon City project in Senegal, here’s a closer look inside Akon’s real estate journey.

Luxury Homes in the United States

Sandy Springs Mansion, Georgia

In 2007, Akon purchased a sprawling estate in Sandy Springs, just outside Atlanta, for around $2.68 million. The 15,000-square-foot mansion sits on nearly 13 acres and features six bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a basketball court, and a racquetball court. The property was later listed for sale in 2016 for about $2.6 million, showcasing the star’s taste for expansive, resort-style living.

Alpharetta Mansion, Metro Atlanta

Akon further expanded his Atlanta real estate presence by buying land in Alpharetta in 2008 for $1.65 million, where he built a lavish 9,000-square-foot mansion. The house includes six bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, a recording studio, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, and even a nine-car garage. In 2017, he put this luxurious estate on the market for nearly $7 million, making it one of his most high-profile listings.

Woodland Hills Home, Los Angeles

On the West Coast, Akon invested in a contemporary property in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, which he bought for $1.95 million. The five-bedroom home was extensively renovated, adding features such as a recording studio, spa, outdoor kitchen, and modern glass interiors. Post-renovation, the property was listed for about $3.5 million, reflecting his strategy of upgrading and leveraging prime real estate.

Akon City: A $6 Billion Vision in Senegal

Beyond personal luxury, Akon’s boldest real estate venture is Akon City, a futuristic smart city planned in his home country of Senegal. Announced in 2020, the project is estimated to cost $6 billion and is being developed on 2,000 acres of land near Dakar.

Akon City is designed to feature luxury housing, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, technology hubs, and resorts powered by renewable energy. The city also aims to run on Akoin, Akon’s own cryptocurrency, making it a unique blend of real estate, technology, and finance.

Although the vision is groundbreaking, progress has been slower than initially promised. Reports suggest that only limited development, such as a welcome center, has been completed so far. Senegalese authorities have even warned that the land could be reclaimed if significant progress is not made.