Akon commends Wizkid for his significant contribution to the global success of Afrobeats

Akon, the Senegalese-American singer, recently reflected on Wizkid’s influence in propelling Afrobeats onto the global stage.

Appearing on the ‘We Need To Talk’ podcast, Akon explained that his motivation was never to compete with fellow African artists but to open doors for them internationally. The 53-year-old ‘Ghetto’ hitmaker emphasized that his aim was to spotlight the abundance of talent from Africa, not to stand alone in the limelight.

I was never trying to compete with my brothers and sisters, Akon said. I wanted them alongside me because I was tired of being there by myself. There are people in Africa who can sing circles around me—they just haven’t had the platform.

He continued, My tone was just one among many. My goal was always to show the world that I’m just one of nearly two billion Africans with talent worth sharing globally.

Akon also discussed Wizkid’s role in Afrobeats’ international rise. He recalled meeting Wizkid as a teenager, noting the prodigy was already writing songs for established acts like Banky W.

Wizkid was maybe 14 or 15 when I first met him, which is why they called him Wizkid—he truly was a wizard at that age, Akon said. He was brilliant.

Akon also asserted that he played a role in shaping the genre that has now become known worldwide as Afrobeats.