The celebrated singer made the revelation during a radio interview on Power 105.1 with DJ Envy, Charlemagne Tha God and Angela Yee of The Breakfast Show. He also talked about his new ventures like crypto currency, 'Akoin', and his four new record labels which cater to Latin/Caribbean music, African music and so forth.
Akon while fielding a question about his career explained that he never took a break off music, but spent some time building afrobeat back when he was at home in Africa.
He disclosed that during this period, he signed top Nigerian singers Wizkid, Davido and defunct music group Psquare.
He said, “I never left music When I first went into Africa, I was building the afrobeats scene. When I first went out there in 2008, I was doing everything, I signed Wizkid. Then, I was doing a lot of consulting for a lot of artists there.
“I signed Davido, you know, P Square…”
On why he let go of the singers who have become huge at home and abroad, Akon approached the subject of music contracts and their nature in the African entertainment space.
He disclosed that the deal with the artistes could not hold ground for too long because in Nigeria, music contacts really do not exist but what is mostly obtainable is a lot of ‘handshaking’.
"Davido, he’s doing it his own thing now… It’s not even a matter of let go because in Africa, contracts really don’t exist. You just shake hands, it’s all word. Especially Nigeria, ain’t no contracts being honoured".
Akon also addressed the reason why afrobeat has now become a major genre in the global music space. According to him, what we have now is not exactly afrobeat but afropop. He said the younger generation has managed to revamp what the late legend pioneered.
Akon is the Senegalese-American who was born in St. Louis, Missouri.
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