Senegalese-American music icon, Akon, has showered immense praise on Nigerian artists for their musical originality and unprecedented global success, boldly labeling Nigerians as “the most intelligent people on the planet.”
The “Locked Up” singer made the remarks during a recent appearance on the We Need To Talk podcast. Reflecting on the monumental rise of African music on the world stage, Akon credited Nigerian creatives for pioneering a cultural shift and dominating international airwaves through the sheer brilliance of their craft.
The 53-year-old music mogul highlighted his own deep-rooted history with the Nigerian music industry, recalling his early efforts to champion the genre globally.
Akon noted that he had previously partnered with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) to sign and support several Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweights during the early stages of their careers.
Among the standout acts he collaborated with and championed were the iconic duo P-Square and Grammy-winning superstar, Wizkid, both of whom have since achieved massive international acclaim.
Beyond his appreciation for African music, Akon also used the podcast platform to reflect on his legendary collaboration with the late “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, describing it as the absolute pinnacle of his career.
“My photo with Michael Jackson is my most proudest photo,” Akon shared, reminiscing on the profound impact of working alongside his musical hero.
He admitted that despite being a full-blown global celebrity himself at the time, he felt like a mere child in the presence of someone who served as an idol to the entire world.
The singer’s comments have since sparked widespread celebration across social media, with fans and industry stakeholders highlighting his enduring legacy as one of the earliest Western-based artists to invest heavily in the Afrobeats movement.
Akon’s dual reflections celebrate both his personal milestones with pop royalty and his visionary role in elevating African talent, reinforcing Nigeria’s current status as a powerhouse in the global music landscape.
