Akon specifically highlighted his early engagement with Nigerian artists, recalling signing Wizkid to his record label, Konvict Muzik, in 2008. He further mentioned his collaborative efforts with other influential Nigerian musicians of the era, including Banky W, P-Square, and D’banj.
The "Lonely" hitmaker expressed his belief that his involvement played a crucial role in propelling African music onto the international stage. He described himself as a "beacon to somebody's success," emphasizing the impact of his early work with Nigerian talent.
Reflecting on his activities during that pivotal period, Akon stated, “2008 was my last official album, which was the ‘Freedom’ album. 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 now and hear now as Afrobeats."
He elaborated on his initial forays into the Nigerian music scene, saying, “Wizkid was the first [Nigerian] artiste that we signed back in 2008. We went to work with him and Banky W in Nigeria. From there, we just started developing artists like PSquare, Dbanj and others.”
Akon framed his involvement as a divinely ordained role, stating, “It [opening the global door for African music] is the role God put me in. I just feel like I am a beacon to somebody’s success. I don’t know who it is going to be but everything we have touched so far has been really successful. And I’m appreciative for that.”
Akon's claims are likely to spark discussions within the African music community and among its historians. While his collaborations with early Afrobeats pioneers are well-documented, the extent of his direct influence on the genre's creation and evolution may be a subject of varying perspectives. Many would argue that the roots of Afrobeats run deeper, with significant contributions from Nigerian artists and producers predating Akon's direct involvement.
Nevertheless, Akon's global platform and his decision to invest in and collaborate with Nigerian artists during a crucial period undoubtedly played a role in amplifying their reach and contributing to the genre's eventual worldwide popularity. His account highlights the interconnectedness of the global music industry and the impact of cross-continental collaborations in shaping musical movements. The conversation around the origins and evolution of Afrobeats continues to be a dynamic one, with various artists and industry players having contributed to its rich tapestry.