In a recent conversation with talk show host Sherri Shepherd, Senegalese-American musician Akon revealed his significant role in the emergence of Afrobeats, a genre that has taken the world by storm. Akon shared insights into how his collaborations with Nigerian artists in the late 2000s helped shape the unique sound of Afrobeats.
Reflecting on his career, Akon recalled his last official album, Freedom, released in 2008, and how it marked a pivotal moment. Soon after, he moved to South Africa to produce music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His next stop was Nigeria, where Akon, alongside top artists like Wizkid and Banky W, contributed to creating the now globally recognised Afrobeats sound.
“Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist we signed in 2008, and we immediately began working with him and others, including PSquare and Dbanj,” Akon explained. “What we developed in Nigeria is what you now hear as Afrobeats.”
The genre has skyrocketed in popularity over the years, reaching international heights. In 2023, artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido performed at major events and topped global charts, cementing Afrobeats as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.
Akon’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the genre’s origins and influences. In August 2024, reggae icon Buju Banton expressed his view that Afrobeats heavily draws from reggae and dancehall, while also criticising the genre for not addressing critical socio-political issues affecting Africa.
