Senegalese-American artist Akon has spoken out about his role in the creation of the now globally popular Afrobeats genre.
He claims that his collaborations and partnerships with Nigerian artists and music industry executives from the late 2000s to early 2010s helped lay the foundation for what is now known as Afrobeats.
The Konvict Muzik founder recalled working with Wizkid, Banky W, P-Square, D’banj, and other Nigerian musicians before the “Afrobeats to the World” movement gained momentum.
“My last official album, Freedom, came out in 2008. I then produced the music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From there, I went to Nigeria. What we created in Nigeria is what you now see and hear today as Afrobeats,” he said in an interview with Sherri.
“Wizkid was the first [Nigerian] artist we signed in 2008. We worked with him and Banky W in Nigeria. From there, we started developing artists like P-Square, D’banj, and others,” he added.
Speaking about his role as a pioneer of modern African pop music, which helped bring the continent’s sound to the global stage, the Senegalese star stated: “That’s the role God gave me—to pave the way for African music. I feel like I’m a model of success. I don’t know who the next one will be, but everything we’ve set in motion so far has been truly successful. And I’m grateful for that.”