The recent revelation by Akon about his pivotal role in the rise of Afrobeats has sparked widespread conversations among music enthusiasts.

In a post shared on X, Akon disclosed that he signed Wizkid as the first Nigerian artist under his Konvict Muzik label in 2008, a move that marked a turning point for the genre’s global recognition.

This milestone was followed by collaborations with other Nigerian heavyweights like D’banj and P-Square, further solidifying Akon’s influence in bringing African music to international audiences.

Akon, a Senegalese-American artist, has long been celebrated for his contributions to the global music scene.

His efforts to promote Afrobeats date back to the late 2000s, a period when the genre was still emerging on the world stage.

In a 2025 interview on the Sherri show, Akon reflected on his work following the release of his 2008 album Freedom.

He shared how his involvement in producing music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa led him to Nigeria, where he played a significant role in shaping what we now recognize as Afrobeats.

By signing Wizkid in 2008, Akon not only spotted raw talent but also laid the foundation for the genre’s international breakthrough, helping artists from the African diaspora gain visibility in markets like the U.S. and beyond.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun in 1990, had already begun his musical journey at the age of 11 in 2001.

By 2008, at just 18 years old, he was starting to make waves in Nigeria’s music scene, which likely caught Akon’s attention.

This early partnership proved to be a game-changer, as Wizkid went on to achieve global fame, most notably with his contribution to Drake’s 2016 hit “One Dance,” which became a defining moment for Afrobeats’ mainstream success.

The collaboration between Akon and Wizkid, as depicted in the second image of the X post, symbolizes the bridge between African talent and global platforms, a connection that Akon’s Konvict Muzik label helped foster.

The impact of Akon’s vision cannot be overstated. His work with Nigerian artists opened doors for Afrobeats to flourish internationally, paving the way for the genre’s dominance in today’s music industry.

Fans and commentators on X have praised this legacy, with many acknowledging Wizkid’s role as a trailblazer and Akon’s foresight in recognizing the potential of African music nearly two decades ago.

This partnership remains a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration in shaping the future of global music.

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