Akon Launches First Black-Owned Solar Energy Company

BY Erika Marie 7.0K Views
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Akon
Money moves.

Behind his hip hop-pop star persona, Akon is businessman who has been making moves in various industries for years. He has lulls in his music career that has caused the uninformed to believe that he's somehow fallen off, but the truth of the matter is that Akon is busy with a record label, a clothing brand, various charities, and multiple philanthropic ventures in Africa. He's said to be dabbling in cryptocurrency and his solar energy efforts recently launched Stateside back in 2018.

Since 2014, Akon's company Akon Lighting Africa has been helping to provide solar energy in various communities throughout the continent. Last year, Akon and his team launched Akon Lighting America, becoming the first black-owned solar energy company in the United States. During a recent visit with The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1, Akon spoke about latest power move.

The mogul shared that not only is it better for the environment, but it can save people hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs. He also explains how it all works and why it's beneficial, especially during times when there are storms or power outages. You can check out his interview in full below or just hear more about his solar energy undertakings (and watch DJ Envy's disbelief) around the 22-minute mark. Hip hop moguls in the making should take notes.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.