₦airaland Forum

‘What is Akon saying?’ Nigerians slam singer for claiming creation of Afrobeats

Senegalese-American singer Akon has stirred controversy online after stating that he played a major role in the rise of Afrobeats, the globally celebrated music genre that originated from West Africa.

While the artiste credits himself with shaping the early stages of Afrobeats through collaborations with Nigerian stars, many Nigerians aren’t having it.


In a recent interview with American talk show host and actress Sherri Shepherd, the ‘Smack That’ star reflected on his influence in the genre’s development, citing his work in the late 2000s with Nigerian acts like Wizkid, PSquare, and D’banj.

“…I was in Africa and time just flew past. 2008 was my last official album, which was the ‘Freedom’ album,” Akon recounted. “And then I was producing the music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From there, I went to Nigeria. What we created in Nigeria was what you see and hear now as Afrobeats.”

He continued, “Wizkid was the first Nigerian artiste that we signed back in 2008. We went to work with him and Banky W in Nigeria. From there, we just started developing artists like PSquare, Dbanj and others.”

While Akon’s statements may have been intended to highlight his support for African music, his remarks were met with swift backlash on Nigerian social media, where users accused him of overstating his influence and attempting to rewrite the genre’s history.

“He needs to shut up 🤣🤣 Akon lies effortlessly just like Shaq!” wrote @Loadedbrodah on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Akon just wants to rewrite the history of Afrobeats lol,” added @Ms_Fej.

User @paul_osigbemhe1 challenged Akon’s timeline and role, saying, “Akon did not open doors for Nigeria 🇳🇬 musics and he should stop seeing himself as the pioneer of Afrobeats. Way back in the 2000s — 2003, 04, 05 — Psquare, D’banj, and a host of others were already a formidable force in African music before I even knew Akon was from Senegal.”

Another critic, @Bisping_Chad, pointed out inconsistencies: “When Wizkid come out wey u sign am 2008. Akon Dey lie for dis one or maybe he missed the year. Psquare rejected the contract he was offering them.”

Others dismissed his claims entirely. “Anyone would be silly to take Akon serious,” wrote @KirkHammettR.

“Since man stopped making music, he’s settled for clout chasing, causing dramas in the African music scene and wearing Fugazzis. Afrobeats been banging before you came into the scene, local and international. You didn’t elevate no one.”

Some users also made the important distinction between “Afrobeat,” pioneered by Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti in the late 1960s, and the newer “Afrobeats,” a genre shaped by Nigerian and West African pop acts in the 2000s and 2010s.

“This is big CAP,” said @Shirex_. “Afrobeat was pioneered by Fela Kuti… Akon, while influential in promoting African music through his productions and collaborations, did not create Afrobeat but contributed to its modern popularity.”

Despite the criticism, Afrobeats continues to soar on the global stage.

In 2023, the genre reached new heights of international acclaim, with top artistes like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido performing at major global events and dominating international charts.

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otipoju:
That Davido boy did more for the promotion of Afrobeats in the western world than anybody.

Davido was buying the latest iPhone for air. club DJ's and Radio DJ's nationwide to play his songs in clubs and on air. As more people heard, the music spread.

He really put in the underground leg work.

Wizkid was already an international superstar when Akon had a deal with him.

The internet, online music streaming platforms and available funds for a lot of young guys to buy recording equipment to make music instead of relying on Kennis Music abd a very few others are what made the music popular.

Akon jumped on a moving train, he did not start the train. The likes of Junior and pretty, Remedies,Alex O Alex Zitto wete the early pioneers of this Afrobeats.

Juju, Highlife,Fuji, Apala and Felas original Afrobeats were the mainstream.music genres available

Senegalese-American singer Akon stirred controversy by claiming he played a major role in the rise of Afrobeats through early collaborations with Nigerian artists like Wizkid, PSquare, and D’banj, suggesting their work together helped shape the genre. However, many Nigerians disagreed, saying these artists were already successful before Akon's involvement and accused him of exaggerating his influence and trying to rewrite history. Critics also clarified the difference between “Afrobeat,” created by Fela Kuti, and the modern “Afrobeats,” which grew from Nigerian pop in the 2000s, crediting local talents—not Akon—for its global success.

alimiadedayo1:
oga let us give akon the flowers, he actually promoted Afro beat in USA.. WIzkid was only known in Africa, it wa Akon that pushed Wizkid in USA, When the Nigerian Artist featured him, that is how they are well known in USA.. Internet dont forget.Akon actually promoted afro beat in USA

otipoju:
As at 2014, the African song that was well known in USA was Tuface's African Queen.


The Afrobeats popularity on the scale it is is today is a combination of the heavy unknown groundwork of Davido on the streets of USA, proliferation and popularity of streaming and social media platforms and the sheer volume and quality of the sounds themselves...and then signing on to the major US record labels that can push songs and sign you up for shows.

As at 2014, Wizkid and Davido no dey popular for USA. Shebi na song wey dem play for Radio Station or Clubs dem go hear in the first place.

I am not a Davido fan but that buy gifted so many DJ'S and OAP the latest Iphones of that any year to promote songs.


Even the Government directive to radio and tv stations to play local content more than foreign content laid a solid foundation that anything could be built upon.

As at 11 years ago, nobody sabi wizkid and davido beyond African populace for US.

alimiadedayo1:
oga let us give akon the flowers, he actually promoted Afro beat in USA.. WIzkid was only known in Africa, it wa Akon that pushed Wizkid in USA, When the Nigerian Artist featured him, that is how they are well known in USA.. Internet dont forget.Akon actually promoted afro beat in USA

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