Senegalese-American singer Akon asserts that his collaborations and partnerships with Nigerian artists and executives in the late 2000s and early 2010s were instrumental in creating what is now known as Afrobeats

Senegalese-American music icon Akon has recently shared his perspective on the origins of the globally popular Afrobeats genre.

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He claims that his strategic collaborations and partnerships with prominent Nigerian artists and influential music executives in the late 2000s and early 2010s played a significant role in the formation of what is now widely recognized as Afrobeats.

The Konvict Muzik boss recalled his early engagements within the Nigerian music scene, highlighting his work with artists such as Wizkid, Banky W, P-Square, and D’banj years before the ‘Afrobeats to the World’ movement gained its current momentum.

Speaking in a recent interview with Sherri, Akon detailed his transition after his 2008 album, ‘Freedom,’ and his involvement in producing 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,” Akon stated.

He further elaborated on his early signings and collaborations in Nigeria, 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.”

Reflecting on his position as a pioneering figure who helped introduce modern African pop music to a global audience, the Senegalese singer expressed a sense of purpose.

“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.”