Akon Explains Why He Signed Wizkid in 2008, Credits Banky W for Discovering Him
Akon Explains Why He Signed Wizkid in 2008, Credits Banky W for Discovering Him
Senegalese-American music icon Akon has revealed the story behind his decision to sign Nigerian superstar Wizkid in 2008, while giving full credit to singer and music executive Banky W for discovering and nurturing the Afrobeats sensation.
Speaking during a recent interview with The Shade Room, Akon dismissed the long-held belief that he personally discovered Wizkid. Instead, he explained that Banky W had already identified the young singer’s talent before introducing him during one of his visits to Nigeria.
According to Akon, his immediate impression of Wizkid convinced him that the young artiste possessed the qualities needed to become a global star. He noted that although Banky W had laid a solid foundation for Wizkid’s career, limited resources at the time made international expansion difficult.
The award-winning singer said signing Wizkid helped introduce the Nigerian artiste to the United States music market, providing him with greater international exposure at a time when Afrobeats had yet to achieve its current global recognition.
Akon praised Banky W for recognising Wizkid’s potential early, describing him as the true discoverer of the Grammy-winning Nigerian singer. He added that their collaboration created opportunities that contributed significantly to Wizkid’s rise on the global music scene.
During the interview, Akon also reflected on another career decision, revealing that he declined an opportunity to sign Canadian rap star Drake around the same period because the financial requirements exceeded what he was prepared to invest. He explained that Drake was still developing his artistic identity at the time and had not yet become the international music powerhouse he is today.
Wizkid has since become one of Africa’s most successful music exports, earning international awards, chart-topping collaborations and widespread recognition for helping to elevate Afrobeats on the global stage.
