Akon's eponymous city project, envisioned as a $6 billion futuristic metropolis in Senegal, Africa, now faces a critical ultimatum. The Senegalese government issued an ultimatum to the singer ...

Akon is moving ahead with plans to create a futuristic pan-African city, announcing Monday that construction will begin next year on the $6 billion project despite global tourism’s uncertain future.

Credit: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images Akon also cited another song of his – ‘Freedom’, taken from the same album with ‘Right Now (Na Na Na)’ – as one that reminds him of home.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Lady Gaga was eventually signed by rapper-producer Akon, and in 2008 released her first album, The Fame—which, with its empowering lyrics, led to that and fortune.