Akon reveals how Banky W introduced Wizkid, recalls signing singer for global exposure

Senegalese-American music star Akon has shared details of how he became part of Wizkid’s early music journey, revealing that he signed the Nigerian artiste after Banky W introduced him during a visit to Nigeria.

Speaking in a recent interview with The Shade Room, Akon clarified that Banky W deserves the credit for discovering Wizkid, explaining that the singer had already been nurturing the young talent before they met.

According to Akon, he immediately recognised Wizkid’s potential and decided to support his career by signing him, a move he said helped open doors for the singer in the United States at a time when Nigerian artistes had limited international exposure.

Akon also reflected on a missed opportunity involving Canadian rapper Drake. He disclosed that he considered signing the rapper around 2008 but backed out after learning that Drake wanted a $1 million signing deal.

He explained that Drake had not yet developed the sound that later made him a global sensation and admitted he could not afford the amount being requested at the time.

Drake eventually broke into the mainstream with his 2009 hit single Best I Ever Had before signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, a move that launched his international career.

Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, was signed to Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), where he rose to prominence with hit songs from his debut album Superstar.

After leaving EME in 2013, the Afrobeats star established Starboy Entertainment, a move that marked a new phase in his career. Since then, Wizkid has become one of Africa’s biggest music exports, collaborating with international stars including Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Tems, Skepta and Justin Bieber.