Akon Sources All His Bling From a Diamond Mine in South Africa That He Owns

The lifestyles of the rich-and-famous seem so extravagant sometimes that it’s hard to remember that they’re humans just like us. From Kylie’s immense designer bag collection to Cardi B’s fridge full of half a million dollars, some celebrities have access to luxuries that the rest of us can only dream of.

As impressive as a fridge full of cash is, one rapper — Akon — may have outdone Cardi in the race toward most outrageous displays of wealth. What could be more luxurious and extravagant than half a million dollars in cash, you ask? Your very own diamond mine. Yes, seriously!

Who is Akon?

Akon, born Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Tiam, first shocked the world with his beautiful voice and incredible R&B songwriting skills back in the early 2000s. His debut album was released in 2004, and included his smash singles “Locked Up” and “Lonely”.

Since then, Akon has seemed like an unstoppable musical legend, churning out hits like “Smack That” and “I Wanna Love You.” He’s also worked with incredibly talented musicians, including the late Michael Jackson.

He took a three-year hiatus from creating solo music in 2010 and seemed to drop out of the spotlight for a few years in 2015, but in 2019 made a hugely successful return to the music industry.

Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri to parents from Senegal, and spent many years during his childhood back in Senegal. He still considers Senegal to be his true childhood home and has engaged in many philanthropic efforts to make a positive impact there.

Akon is a successful businessman and philanthropist

It’s clear that Akon has enviable talent in music, but it turns out that he’s a savvy businessman and philanthropist, as well. He’s estimated to be worth around $80 million, but it’s what he’s done with that money that’s impressive. He’s currently working on building an entire futuristic city in Senegal – yes, really!

Apparently, this city will run on his very own cryptocurrency, called Akoin, and will be located on 2000 acres of land that was gifted to him by Senegal’s president. He’s been calling it the “real-life Wakanda”, and we have to admit it sounds pretty cool. It will be completely run on renewable energy sources and will also be a smart city, using modern technology to make things run in eco-friendly ways.

Akon isn’t only focused on making money, however. He’s always been dedicated to making a positive difference in his childhood home of Senegal, and he’s stayed true to his vision so far. For example, in 2015, he launched “Akon Lighting Africa”, a solar project that brings electricity to 480 communities spanning across different countries in Africa.

In 2007, he set up Konfidence, a non-profit organization that promotes health and education for young people in impoverished communities in both Senegal and the United States. To top it off, he created Konfidence with his mother. It seems like Akon is truly a fantastic human being. 

Akon’s personal diamond mine

However, one of Akon’s business ventures doesn’t seem to fit in with his overall vision of being socially conscious and helping those in need. Akon has long been famous for the unique bling that he flaunts, and after how hard he’s worked, we’re not denying that he deserves to splurge a little.

When asked where he gets such unique and extravagant diamond jewelry, though, Akon revealed that he owns his very own diamond mine in South Africa. Surprisingly, considering the negative ethical impact that diamond mines are said to have.

In 2007, when asked about this ethical dilemma, Akon replied that he doesn’t “believe” in conflict or blood diamonds.

“That’s just a movie,” he said at the time. “Think about it. Ain’t nobody thought about nothing about no conflict diamonds until the movie came out.”