Senegalese-American music mogul Akon has reignited the Afrobeats origin conversation by boldly declaring his foundational role in taking the genre global.
In a recent interview, the Konvict Music founder stated, “We helped build what you hear today,” citing his early work with Nigerian stars like P-Square, D’banj, Wizkid, and Davido as proof of his long-standing influence.
Akon’s 2011 collaboration with P-Square on the chart-topping “Chop My Money” remix marked a turning point—blending African rhythm with American star power and opening international ears to Afrobeats. He further claimed to have signed both Wizkid and P-Square to Konvict Music, aiming to give African music a structured platform that could rival Western labels on a global scale.
Expanding on his Afrobeats legacy, Akon revealed he also played a key role in Davido’s early international visibility and positioned himself as a bridge between African and U.S. artists. While some industry insiders remain skeptical of the extent of his involvement, few can deny Akon’s impact in spotlighting African talent during a time when the global music industry had barely begun paying attention.
