Akon Reveals Why He Signed Wizkid as His First Nigerian Artist

Senegalese singer and music executive Akon has revealed why he chose to sign Wizkid as the first Nigerian artist he worked with, saying the Grammy-winning Afrobeats star stood out because of his exceptional talent from a young age.

Speaking in a recent interview, Akon recalled meeting Wizkid when he was about 13 years old, describing him as a gifted singer and songwriter whose potential was impossible to ignore.

“Wizkid was the first artiste I signed. He was about 13 years old when I met him. He was writing his own songs and already had an amazing voice. I knew he was going to be a star.”

Akon explained that his decision to work with Wizkid formed part of a broader vision to introduce African music to the global market. He said he partnered with Banky W to develop the young singer and help position him for international success at a time when Afrobeats had yet to achieve worldwide recognition.

The music star also claimed that those early collaborations contributed to the commercial evolution of Afrobeats, noting that his team sought to make the sound more accessible to international audiences while preserving its African identity. He added that Wizkid’s natural creativity and songwriting ability convinced him he was investing in a future global star.

Akon’s remarks have reignited discussions among music fans about the early international support that helped shape the careers of Nigerian artists and the global rise of Afrobeats. While some fans have debated aspects of his account, many acknowledge his role in helping expose African music to wider audiences through collaborations with artists such as Wizkid, P-Square and others.