Akon Claims Credit for Wizkid’s Rise and Afrobeats’ Global Success

In a recent interview, Senegalese-American singer Akon asserted that he played a pivotal role in Wizkid’s ascent to stardom and the global triumph of Afrobeats. According to Akon, he discovered Wizkid in 2008 when the Nigerian singer was still a local talent and signed him to his record label, thereby introducing him to the international music scene.

Akon’s claims are significant, given the immense popularity Afrobeats has garnered worldwide in recent years. He believes that without his efforts to connect Nigerian artists to the global music industry, Afrobeats might not have achieved its current level of success. Akon stated, “In 2008, I spent my time in Nigeria developing what you see today as Afrobeats. And all of them can attest to it.”

The singer revealed that Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist he signed to his label, and P-Square was another notable act he worked with. Akon claimed that his involvement helped these artists gain international exposure and access to a broader market. “Wizkid was just the local Nigerian star before we touched him, and it opened up to a bigger market,” he said.

Akon also emphasized the importance of the business side of music, which he believes was lacking in the Nigerian music industry at the time. “I brought the business side of music to Afrobeats because all they [Nigerian artists at that time] knew about was the creative [side of music]. There was no business, no infrastructure, none of it attached to it,” he explained.

While Akon’s claims may be subject to debate, his contributions to the Nigerian music industry and Afrobeats’ global success are undeniable. His efforts to promote Nigerian artists and introduce them to new markets have had a lasting impact on the industry.

The Afrobeats genre has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage achieving international recognition. Akon’s assertion that he played a key role in this success highlights the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the music industry.

As the music industry continues to evolve, Akon’s claims serve as a reminder of the significant impact that industry leaders can have on emerging artists and genres. Whether or not one agrees with Akon’s assessment of his contributions, his influence on the Nigerian music scene and Afrobeats’ global popularity is a topic worthy of discussion.

In conclusion, Akon’s interview has sparked a conversation about the role he played in Wizkid’s rise to stardom and the global success of Afrobeats. While opinions may vary, Akon’s contributions to the music industry are undeniable, and his legacy continues to shape the sound of Afrobeats today.

Source: Africa Publicity