International music mogul and Senegalese-American artist Akon has sparked reactions across social media after claiming that Nigerian superstar Wizkid was "just a local Nigerian star" before receiving international exposure through global collaborations.
In a recent interview, Akon reflected on the early 2010s wave of Afrobeats crossover into the U.S. and European markets, where he played a key role in bridging African talent with Western platforms.
“Wizkid was just a local Nigerian star before we touched him and opened him up to a bigger market,” Akon stated, referring to the influence of international artists and record labels in bringing African music to the global stage.
The statement has stirred controversy, with many Wizkid fans and Nigerian music lovers pushing back, arguing that Wizkid's success was driven by his talent, consistency, and homegrown support, long before international collaborations.
Critics also pointed to Wizkid's breakout debut album Superstar (2011) and his hit single Holla at Your Boy as evidence of his dominance in Africa’s music scene prior to global recognition.
However, some industry insiders agree that strategic collaborations such as Wizkid’s feature on Drake’s One Dance and his signing with RCA/Sony played a significant role in cementing his global stardom.
Akon has long been vocal about his support for African artists. He previously signed Nigerian stars P-Square and Wizkid to Konvict Music in various capacities and helped facilitate exposure for many during Afrobeats' rise in the 2010s.
Still, this latest remark has reignited the debate about ownership and credit in the rise of African music on the world stage, with fans demanding respect for the local fan base and cultural roots that built today’s global icons.
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