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

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Akon

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.

 

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Hollywood actor, Chuck Noreis, d!es at 86

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Iconic action star Chuck Norris has died. He was 86.

His family announced his passing in a statement released today March 20.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. Please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.” the statemnt in part reads

The martial artist and actor had just celebrated his 86th birthday on March 10.

Chuck rose to fame in the ‘80s with karate films like ‘A Force of One’ and ‘An Eye for an Eye,’ before becoming a household name as Cordell Walker in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger!’

Chuck is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and his five children — twins Dakota and Danilee, as well as Dina, Eric and Mike from previous relationships.

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

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The Curses Being Rained On Me Are Too Much – Nigerian Actor, Aremu Afolayan Apologizes For Supporting Tinubu (Video)

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Nollywood actor Aremu Afolayan has apologized to Nigerians and announced his decision to step away from politics after facing heavy backlash over his recent comments.

The actor shared a message on social media where he asked Nigerians for forgiveness over the reactions that followed his earlier statements.

He said the criticism directed at him had become overwhelming and also denied claims that he received money from any individual or group.

Afolayan also tried to clear the air on his comments about insecurity in the country. He explained that he did not deny the existence of security challenges but was misunderstood.

According to him, the issue is real, and he even referred to a personal experience involving someone close to him who was kidnapped, with ransom paid for release.

Following the controversy, he said he no longer wants to be involved in political matters, stating clearly that he is withdrawing from anything related to politics.

He said: “To all Nigerians, please forgive me. I’m very sorry. The curse you guys are raining on me is too much. I didn’t take money from anyone.

“It’s obvious that there’s insecurity and the government isn’t doing anything; what I was trying to say is don’t answer anyone who is saying there’s no insecurity.

“My best friend’s mother was kidnapped and we paid ransom; how would I say there’s no insecurity? I’m withdrawing myself from anything that has to do with politics.”

The development comes shortly after the actor publicly showed support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

In the video, he downplayed the hardship many Nigerians are facing and spoke in favour of the president’s efforts.

His comments led to strong reactions online, with many Nigerians criticising his position.

Click tthe link below to watch the video:

https://twitter.com/99Pluz/status/2034650406832181462?t=Hqmzatep1bw3RIG3PZJLFg&s=19

https://twitter.com/olammypo01/status/2034644264622178707?t=O6xg-1WpWYYtNunJv4KiNA&s=19
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Nigerian Actor, Umar Ascon Is De@d

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Kannywood actor Umar Ascon, widely known for his role as Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono in the long-running television series Garwashi, has d!ed.

He d!ed on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after battling a prolonged illness.

The news of his de@th was confirmed by Kannywood producer and neighbour, Abubakar Yahaya Matinko.

The late actor is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters.

Before venturing into the film industry, Ascon was a businessman operating at Hotoro Depot in Kano.

He later gained recognition in Kannywood through his role in Garwashi and appearances in other Hausa films, including Wata Shida and Manyan Mata.

His funeral prayer was held at Al-Masjlisul Islami Mosque, near Gade-Gade Filling Station, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

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