Senegalese-American singer Akon has come under fire after claiming he played a major role in the rise of Afrobeats. In a recent interview, Akon spoke about his past work with Nigerian artists. He suggested that his influence helped shape the popular genre now known worldwide.
Akon recalled his time in Africa in the late 2000s. He said that after producing music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he went to Nigeria. According to him, that was when Afrobeats started to take form. He also claimed that he signed Wizkid in 2008 and worked with Banky W, PSquare, D’banj, and others to develop the sound.
His comments have sparked outrage among Nigerian music lovers. Many believe he is overstating his role in the genre’s growth. On social media, users were quick to react. Some said Akon is trying to take credit for something he didn’t create. Others pointed out that PSquare and D’banj were already famous before Akon started working with them.
Critics also questioned his timeline. They noted that Nigerian music was already booming in the early 2000s. For many fans, Akon’s claims appear misleading. While they admit he helped promote African music globally, they argue that his role in the creation of Afrobeats is being exaggerated.
Another important point raised online is the difference between “Afrobeat” and “Afrobeats.” Afrobeat is the sound pioneered by Fela Kuti in the 1960s. Afrobeats, with an “s,” is a modern mix of African pop, dancehall, and hip-hop that grew in the 2000s.
Despite the backlash, Afrobeats continues to thrive globally. Stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy are performing at sold-out shows worldwide. The genre is still growing, with Nigerian artists leading the charge — no matter who tries to claim the credit.
For more stories like this, visit NaijaBeats.com
