Akon Backs Crypto as Currency, Says AI Helped Shape New Album

Akon said he remains bullish on cryptocurrency and used artificial intelligence tools in developing his latest album, according to a Yahoo Finance podcast published May 14, 2026. The artist said crypto is “the future” and described AI as a tool for generating concepts, restructuring lyrics and exploring song arrangements. His comments come after the late-April 2026 release of “Beautiful Day,” his first major studio album in years, and the start of a 57-city global tour with Ne-Yo. Akon previously shifted attention from music to infrastructure and technology projects in Africa, including Akon Lighting Africa, which brought solar power to more than 1 million households. Senegal’s government in 2025 abandoned the proposed $6 billion Akon City project in favor of what it called a more realistic collaboration.