Senegalese-American singer and music mogul Akon has opened up about his pivotal role in shaping Afrobeats, the now-global music phenomenon born in West Africa. In a recent interview with American talk show host and actress Sherri Shepherd, the ‘Lonely’ and ‘Smack That’ hitmaker claimed that his early collaborations with Nigerian artists in the late 2000s were instrumental in crafting the sound that has since taken over global charts.
Akon, born Aliaune Thiam, is known for his diverse musical influence, spanning hip-hop, R&B, and pop. However, during the interview, he highlighted a lesser-known but significant chapter of his career — his deep involvement in the early development of Afrobeats.
“I was in Africa, and time just flew past. 2008 was my last official album, which was the ‘Freedom’ album,” Akon recounted. “And then I was producing the music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From there, I went to Nigeria. What we created in Nigeria was what you see and hear now as Afrobeats.”
The singer revealed that he was one of the earliest international figures to recognize the potential of Nigerian music and talents. According to Akon, he played an instrumental role in introducing and developing key artists who are now celebrated as Afrobeats pioneers.
“Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist that we signed back in 2008. We went to work with him and Banky W in Nigeria,” Akon said. “From there, we just started developing artists like PSquare, D’banj, and others.”
Akon’s efforts were part of a broader cultural movement that saw Nigerian music transition from regional popularity to international stardom. He was among the first global music executives to identify the richness of the West African sound and to invest directly in its talent and infrastructure.
“Afrobeats today didn’t just happen overnight,” Akon continued. “There were real collaborations and investments that made this sound what it is. Back then, nobody was really paying attention to African music on the global stage, but I knew it was only a matter of time.”
Afrobeats — a genre that blends traditional African rhythms with elements of hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and pop — has since evolved into a dominant force in the global music industry. The genre’s infectious beats, relatable lyrics, and charismatic stars have captivated audiences across continents.
In recent years, Afrobeats artists have consistently headlined international music festivals, sold out arena tours, and achieved massive streaming numbers. In 2023 alone, heavyweights like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, from Coachella to the Grammy Awards, while also clinching prestigious accolades.
For Akon, who once dominated global charts himself, the genre’s success is not only validating but deeply personal. “It’s amazing to watch. When I see where these artists are now, it makes me proud. These are people we believed in when very few others did,” he said.
The conversation with Sherri Shepherd reignited discussions on the genre’s origins and the critical role played by early international supporters like Akon. While Nigerian artists and producers are largely credited with innovating and perfecting the Afrobeats sound, Akon’s early support and collaborative efforts are increasingly being acknowledged as part of the genre’s foundational story.
“Back then, a lot of the infrastructure wasn’t even in place. There weren’t global streaming platforms paying attention to Nigeria. There weren’t major label deals for these artists,” Akon explained. “We were building from scratch — from the studio to the stage.”
Akon’s legacy in Africa extends beyond music. He’s also known for his philanthropic ventures across the continent, including the much-publicized “Akon Lighting Africa” project, which aims to provide electricity to millions of homes using solar power. His investments and collaborations have made him a respected figure in both business and entertainment circles throughout Africa.
Despite his distance from the spotlight in recent years, Akon’s influence continues to be felt — particularly in Afrobeats, which has evolved from a grassroots movement into a billion-dollar industry.
Music experts have credited early partnerships between African artists and international collaborators as essential to Afrobeats’ breakthrough.
“Akon brought both visibility and infrastructure to artists who were still trying to break out,” said Lagos-based music journalist Femi Adebanjo. “He saw the potential early and helped bridge the gap between the Nigerian scene and the global market.”
Today, Afrobeats is more than a genre — it’s a global movement. From dance floors in London and New York to streaming platforms in Tokyo and Johannesburg, the sound that originated in Lagos has become a worldwide soundtrack.
As Akon reflected during his interview, the journey from early studio sessions in Nigeria to the top of the Billboard charts has been nothing short of revolutionary.
“This is the sound of Africa,” he said with pride. “It’s the sound of youth, energy, and creativity. And it’s just getting started.”
