Senegalese-American music icon Akon has credited himself with helping to lay the foundation for Afrobeats, the now-global sound that has taken the music world by storm.
In a recent appearance on the *Sherri* show hosted by American actress and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, the ‘Lonely’ and ‘Smack That’ hitmaker opened up about his deep involvement in the genre’s formative years, particularly through his work with rising Nigerian stars in the late 2000s.
“After my ‘Freedom’ album in 2008, I found myself spending more and more time in Africa,” Akon said. “I ended up producing music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and from there, I traveled to Nigeria. That’s where the magic happened.”
According to the music mogul, it was during this period that he played a behind-the-scenes role in nurturing a sound that would later evolve into the Afrobeats movement the world now embraces.
“Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist we signed in 2008,” Akon revealed. “We worked closely with him and Banky W. That partnership was crucial. From there, we helped develop acts like PSquare, D’banj, and others who were on the cusp of something big.”
Akon's reflections come as Afrobeats continues to soar globally. The genre has grown from a regional sound into a worldwide cultural phenomenon, with African stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido headlining international festivals, collaborating with global icons, and dominating streaming charts.
In 2023 alone, Afrobeats reached unprecedented levels of international visibility, with performances at major venues across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
While some critics have debated the extent of Akon’s influence, his early investment in Nigerian talent remains undeniable. The star says he is proud of the legacy being built and the genre’s continued ascent on the global stage.
Watch Video below..
"...and what we created in Nigeria was what you see now and hear now as Afrobeats. Wizkid was the first artiste that we signed back in 2008... From there, we just started developing acts like PSquare, Dbanj..."
— (@OneJoblessBoy) April 30, 2025
- Akon pic.twitter.com/8gQqKV9Kf4
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