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Akon Claims Credit for Launching Wizkid’s International Career
Senegalese-American music mogul Akon has claimed a pivotal role in launching Wizkid’s international career and shaping the global rise of Afrobeats.
Speaking on the Bagfuel Brigade podcast, Akon recounted his early involvement in the Nigerian music scene, revealing that he signed Wizkid in 2008 when the artist was still a rising local act.
According to Akon, his Konvict Muzik label was instrumental in refining Wizkid’s artistry and expanding his reach beyond Nigeria.
He also mentioned signing the iconic duo P-Square, whom he credits as the first Nigerian group to break into the international music scene under his guidance.
“In 2008, I was in Nigeria building what you now recognize as Afrobeats,” Akon stated. “Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist we officially signed. He was just a local star until we stepped in and helped open doors to a global market.”
Akon emphasized that his involvement introduced the essential business infrastructure that the Nigerian music industry lacked at the time. “They had the creativity, but not the business side. No structure, no system. I brought that in,” he said, asserting that without his early efforts, Afrobeats might not have achieved its current worldwide acclaim.
While acknowledging that he doesn’t seek full credit, Akon confidently claimed that his influence was a catalyst in Afrobeats’ global breakthrough.
Watch the video below:
"I spent my time in Nigeria developing what you see today as Afrobeats… Wizkid was just the local Nigerian star before we touched him and it opened up to a bigger market…"
– Akon pic.twitter.com/ZmhIj1OfK5
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 2, 2025