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.
