Senegalese-American singer and entrepreneur Akon has made bold claims about his influence on the global success of Nigerian Afrobeats, asserting that he played a pivotal role in developing some of the genre’s biggest stars—most notably, Wizkid.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Bagfuel Brigade podcast, the multi-platinum-selling artist shared his perspective on how his early investments in Nigerian music helped push Afrobeats from local popularity to international recognition. Akon recounted how, during a visit to Nigeria in 2008, he signed Wizkid to his record label and provided the structure and exposure that, according to him, helped turn the “Starboy” into a global force.
“Wizkid Was Just a Local Star Before We Signed Him” — Akon
“In 2008, I spent my time in Nigeria developing what you see today as Afrobeats. And all of them can attest to it,” Akon said during the podcast. “Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist we signed officially at that time. And then we went on to sign a group called P-Square, which was the first Nigerian group that made it internationally.”
He continued, “Wizkid was just the local Nigerian star before we touched him and it opened up to a bigger market. I wouldn’t want to take credit for all of it, but I can tell you that if we didn’t do what we did, Afrobeats would still have been in the same position it was when we got there in 2008. That I can tell you 100 percent.”
Introducing Business Structure to Afrobeats
Akon further claimed that one of his most impactful contributions was introducing Nigerian artists to the business side of the music industry—something he believes was missing at the time.
“I brought the business side of music to Afrobeats because all they knew about was the creative,” he said. “There was no business, no infrastructure, none of it attached to it.”
According to Akon, most Nigerian musicians at the time had the talent and the creativity but lacked access to the international music industry’s systems, resources, and networks. He believes that his involvement in developing these artists and offering them global platforms helped solidify the genre’s growing influence.
Akon’s Influence in Nigeria’s Early Afrobeats Wave
Akon’s relationship with Nigerian artists dates back to the late 2000s, a formative period in Afrobeats. At the time, he collaborated with several acts and often toured West Africa. He notably worked with the chart-topping duo P-Square on the remix of their hit song “Chop My Money,” further elevating their profile in global markets.
The “Locked Up” singer’s label, Konvict Muzik, also showed interest in integrating African talents into its roster, a move that coincided with Afrobeats’ increasing popularity across the diaspora. Akon’s claim that he helped open doors for artists like Wizkid is based on these early efforts to bridge African music with Western platforms.
Wizkid’s Meteoric Rise
While Wizkid has not publicly responded to Akon’s recent comments, his journey from a Lagos-based breakout star to a global Afrobeats ambassador is well documented. The singer burst onto the Nigerian music scene with the 2010 hit single “Holla at Your Boy,” and by 2016, he had landed a global smash with Drake’s “One Dance,” which topped charts in over 15 countries.
Wizkid’s collaborations with international acts like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Chris Brown have further cemented his status as a global icon. His 2020 album Made in Lagos was a critical and commercial success, producing the hit “Essence” featuring Tems, which received a Grammy nomination and reached the Billboard Hot 100—a historic achievement for an Afrobeats track.
Though Akon’s role in Wizkid’s early years remains a subject of debate, it is undeniable that the singer has since carved his own path to superstardom.
Mixed Reactions to Akon’s Claims
Akon’s comments have sparked varied reactions across social media. While some fans acknowledge his early involvement in African music, others argue that Wizkid’s success is primarily a result of his own talent, vision, and hard work.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Akon helped open some doors, no doubt, but saying Wizkid was ‘just local’ before him is a reach. He already had hits before international attention came.”
Another added, “We can’t downplay Akon’s role in pushing African music. He did help shine some light on it early on. But the artists themselves did the heavy lifting.”
Afrobeats Today: A Global Phenomenon
Afrobeats has become one of the most influential genres in contemporary music, with Nigerian artists regularly topping charts, headlining festivals, and earning Grammy nominations. The genre’s fusion of African rhythms with pop, dancehall, and hip-hop influences has captivated audiences around the world.
Wizkid, alongside contemporaries like Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage, continues to lead this wave, with major labels and global streaming platforms now investing heavily in African music.
Akon Reflects on the Bigger Picture
In closing his remarks on the podcast, Akon emphasized that his goal was never to take full credit for the Afrobeats movement but rather to highlight how international collaboration helped amplify African music.
“I’m proud of what Afrobeats has become,” he said. “All I ever wanted was for African artists to get the recognition they deserve. If I played even a small role in that, then I’m happy.”
Conclusion
Akon’s assertion that he helped launch Wizkid’s global career and shaped the future of Afrobeats adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the genre’s global journey. Whether viewed as an instrumental figure or simply a collaborator who contributed to its early exposure, Akon’s role in the Afrobeats narrative is part of the genre’s rich history.
As the world continues to embrace African music, the contributions of early backers, alongside the relentless drive of the artists themselves, will remain key pillars in its unprecedented rise.
