Akon Claims Wizkid Was the First Artist He Ever Signed

In a series of recent podcast appearances, Senegalese-American superstar and music mogul Akon has opened up about his early involvement in the Nigerian music scene, revealing that Afrobeats icon Wizkid was the first artist he ever signed. The comments have reignited conversations about the global rise of Afrobeats and the pivotal behind-the-scenes roles played by international figures in nurturing African talent.

During episodes of podcasts like Bagfuel Brigade and We Need To Talk, Akon reflected on his journeys to Nigeria starting around 2008. He described discovering a young Wizkid—then a local talent already making waves—as a teenager with undeniable star potential.

“Wizkid was the first [Nigerian] artist we signed officially at that time. And then we went on to sign a group called P-Square, which was the first [Nigerian] group that made it internationally. Wizkid was just the local Nigerian star before we touched him and it opened up to a bigger market.”

Akon recounted meeting Wizkid (born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) when he was around 13 to 15 years old. At that time, the budding artist—nicknamed “Wizkid” for his prodigious songwriting skills—was already penning tracks for established acts and recording in Lagos studios. Akon emphasized spotting that “God-given aura” of stardom, similar to how he identified talents like T-Pain and Lady Gaga.

He clarified the nature of the deal as partly indirect, tied to his investment and partnership with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label, where Wizkid was already developing. While direct Konvict Muzik contracts came later (around 2011-2012), Akon framed his early support as foundational in polishing Wizkid’s sound for international audiences.

Wizkid had begun his journey young, performing with a church group by age 11 and signing with EME around 2009 before releasing his debut album Superstar in 2011, featuring hits like “Holla at Your Boy.” Akon’s involvement helped bridge Nigerian sounds to global platforms, contributing to collaborations with artists like Drake and Beyoncé, and paving the way for Afrobeats’ worldwide explosion.

Fans have celebrated the stories as validation of Wizkid’s early genius, with many revisiting his teenage recordings and early freestyles. However, some online discussions have noted timeline nuances, with public records of direct deals appearing later. Akon has maintained that his role was more about empowerment and development than strict contractual enforcement.

This isn’t Akon’s first nod to his African roots. As the founder of Konvict Kulture, he has long championed African artists, investing in the continent’s music infrastructure and helping export sounds that now dominate charts. His comments highlight a collaborative era where international execs like him, alongside local pioneers like Banky W, fueled the genre’s ascent.

The revelations come amid Akon’s ongoing projects, including tours and new music, reminding fans of his dual role as artist and executive.

Whether viewed as direct signing or strategic partnership, Akon’s endorsement underscores Wizkid’s precocious talent. It adds another chapter to the rich, interconnected history of Afrobeats’ global journey—one that continues to evolve with each new generation of stars.