The origin story of Afrobeats' global domination just got a whole lot more… complicated? Senegalese-American music icon Akon has dropped a rather explosive revelation, claiming he was instrumental in launching none other than Wizkid onto the international stage and laying the groundwork for the worldwide phenomenon that Afrobeats has become. Speaking on the "Bagfuel Brigade" podcast, Akon asserted that he signed Wizkid way back in 2008, a time when the now global superstar was primarily known within the borders of Nigeria. But that's not all – Akon also suggests his influence was key in providing the business framework that was supposedly missing in the Nigerian music industry at the time, ultimately paving the way for Afrobeats' global takeover. Buckle up, because these claims are already stirring up a serious buzz!
Akon didn't hold back in his interview, stating unequivocally, "In 2008, I spent my time in Nigeria developing what you see today as Afrobeats. And all of them can attest to it." He went on to directly link his involvement with Wizkid's initial international exposure, claiming, "Wizkid was the first [Nigerian] artist we signed officially at that time. He was just a local Nigerian star before we touched him and it opened up to a bigger market." This statement positions Akon and his label as a crucial catalyst in Wizkid's journey from local acclaim to global recognition, a claim that is already sparking debate among fans and industry insiders.
Wizkid wasn't the only Nigerian act Akon mentioned. He also credited the iconic duo P-Square as being the first Nigerian group to break into the international music scene, further emphasizing his involvement in shaping the early stages of Afrobeats' global expansion. By name-dropping such influential artists, Akon is painting a picture of himself as a central figure in the movement's formative years.
Akon doubled down on his perceived impact, confidently stating, "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 [Nigeria in 2008]." This bold assertion suggests that without his intervention and the structures he claims to have implemented, Afrobeats might not have achieved its current global prominence. It's a statement that is likely to be met with varying degrees of agreement and skepticism within the vibrant and independently driven Nigerian music scene.
Akon highlighted what he believes was a crucial contribution: introducing a business-oriented mindset to the burgeoning Afrobeats movement. According to him, "I brought the business side of music to Afrobeats because all they [Nigerian artists at that time] knew about was the creative. There was no business, no infrastructure, none of it attached to it." This claim suggests that Akon played a foundational role in professionalizing the industry, providing the necessary framework for artists to not only create hits but also to navigate the complexities of the international music market.
Akon's revelations have undoubtedly ignited a firestorm of discussion online. Many Nigerian music fans are likely to have strong opinions on these claims, potentially pointing to the significant groundwork laid by Nigerian artists, producers, and labels within Nigeria long before 2008. The narrative of Afrobeats' rise is often attributed to the organic growth and unique sound cultivated within Nigeria itself. Akon's perspective offers a different angle, emphasizing the role of international intervention in achieving global success. It remains to be seen how Wizkid and other key figures from that era will respond to these bold assertions. One thing is for sure: the story of Afrobeats' global explosion just got a whole lot more intriguing!
