Akon Discusses Role in Shaping Afrobeats, Helping Develop Nigerian Artists

In a candid and insightful interview on OfficialHipTV, global music star, Akon opened up about his influential role in the rise of Afrobeats as a dominant genre in global music.

The Senegalese-American artist, who has made significant strides in both the African and international music scenes, revealed key moments that shaped his involvement with Nigerian artists and the genre itself.

Akon shared that his connection with Afrobeats began in 2008 when he signed a then-unknown Wizkid to his label, Konvict Muzik.

“We created Afrobeats, “We signed Wizkid in 2008, and from there, we helped develop artists like P-Square, D’banj, and others. This was the beginning of something bigger than any of us anticipated.”Akon said during the interview.

The significance of Akon’s statement underscores the pivotal role he played in helping to internationalize the Afrobeats genre. As one of the first major figures to collaborate with Nigerian artists on the global stage, Akon’s label Konvict Muzik became a major platform for African talent.

His collaborations with Wizkid, in particular, were critical in bringing the genre to the attention of global audiences, laying the groundwork for the worldwide recognition that Afrobeats enjoys today.

In addition to his work with Wizkid, Akon highlighted his role in developing other Nigerian superstars, including the iconic P-Square duo and D’banj.

He credited these artists as key figures who, alongside Wizkid, helped establish the Afrobeats movement, combining Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary sounds and influences to create a unique and globally recognized genre.

“I am proud to have been a part of this movement. When we started, we knew we were doing something special, but the impact of Afrobeats now, with artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and others, is beyond what we could have imagined.”

Akon also praised the resilience and creativity of Nigerian musicians, noting that their ability to blend Afrobeat sounds with pop, hip-hop, and other genres played a major role in the genre’s success. He acknowledged that the rise of platforms like YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify allowed artists to reach a wider, more diverse audience, further accelerating the global dominance of Afrobeats.

As a pioneer of cross-continental collaboration, Akon emphasized that the fusion of African and Western influences was key to the success of Afrobeats.

His involvement helped bridge cultural gaps and foster an understanding of African music on a larger scale, proving that music has no borders.

Reflecting on his contributions, Akon expressed gratitude for being able to help bring African music to the world, saying, “It’s an honor to have contributed to the global acceptance of Afrobeats. I’ve always believed in the power of African music, and I’m happy to see it shine today.”

Akon’s remarks serve as a reminder of the long and often uncelebrated history of African artists who have shaped contemporary music. As Afrobeats continues to dominate airwaves and charts worldwide, Akon’s early collaborations stand as a testament to the far-reaching influence of Nigerian music.

The interview is a must-watch for fans of both Afrobeats and Akon’s work in the music industry, offering deeper insight into the development of one of the most important genres of the 21st century.