Senegalese-American singer and music executive Akon has claimed he played a pivotal role in shaping the global success of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, as well as the genre’s broader international breakthrough.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Bagfuel Brigade podcast, Akon stated that before he signed Wizkid in 2008, the Starboy hitmaker was only recognized locally in Nigeria. He suggested that his involvement helped elevate Wizkid’s career and introduced him to a much wider audience.
“In 2008, I spent my time in Nigeria developing what you now see as Afrobeats. All of them can attest to it,” Akon said.
“Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist we officially signed. Then came P-Square—the first Nigerian group to gain international recognition.”
He continued, “Wizkid was just a local Nigerian star before we stepped in. That exposure opened him up to a global market. I don’t want to take all the credit, but if we hadn’t done what we did, Afrobeats wouldn’t be where it is today. That, I can say with 100% confidence.”
Akon also emphasized his role in introducing the business side of music to the Nigerian scene, claiming that prior to his involvement, many artists only focused on the creative aspects.
“Back then, there was no business infrastructure. I brought the structure—label systems, management, and international strategy. That’s what helped position Afrobeats for global success.”
