Akon, the Senegalese-American singer and producer, has played a pivotal role in the global success of Afrobeats. Through his collaborations with Nigerian artists, he helped shape the genre into what it is today.
In a recent interview, Akon reflected on his early involvement with Nigerian musicians, saying, “What we created in Nigeria was what you see now and hear now as Afrobeats.” His work in Nigeria, starting with collaborations in the late 2000s, laid the foundation for the sound that would soon take over the global music scene.
According to Sandra Nwaokolo’s report on May 1, 2025, Akon credited his partnerships with Nigerian stars like Wizkid, Banky W, P-Square, and D’banj as key moments in the development of Afrobeats. He mentioned that Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist his label signed in 2008, marking the beginning of a successful collaboration.
Akon’s role in amplifying African talent on the world stage is something he feels deeply connected to. “It’s the role God put me in. I just feel like I am a beacon to somebody’s success,” he shared during the interview, speaking about his belief in being a catalyst for success.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
