What's Akon saying? Nigerians criticize artist for claiming birth of Afrobeats.

Akon, a Senegalese-American singer, has sparked controversy online after claiming that he played a significant role in the birth of Afrobeats, the widely famous music genre that began in West Africa.


While the singer prides himself with influencing the early phases of Afrobeats through collaborations with Nigerian stars, many Nigerians are not buying it.

In a recent interview with American talk show host and actress Sherri Shepherd, the 'Smack That' singer discussed his role in the genre's evolution, highlighting his work in the late 2000s with Nigerian stars such as 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.

"Since man ceased generating music, he has settled for clout chasing, causing havoc in the African music business, and wearing Fugazzis. Afrobeats were already popular, both locally and internationally, before you arrived. You didn't elevate anyone.

Some users also made a significant distinction between "Afrobeat," which was pioneered by Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti in the late 1960s, and "Afrobeats," a genre developed by Nigerian and West African pop acts in the 2000s and 2010s.

"This is a big CAP," tweeted @Shirex_. "Fela Kuti pioneered Afrobeat." Akon, while prominent in promoting African music through his productions and collaborations, did not invent Afrobeat, but rather contributed to its present prominence.

Despite criticism, Afrobeats continues to thrive on a global scale.

In 2023, the genre achieved new heights of international acclaim, with prominent artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido playing at big global events and topping international charts.