Ghanaian rap star Sarkodie has publicly acknowledged Senegalese-American artist Akon’s significant role in the international rise of Afrobeats, calling him a key figure in the genre’s global breakthrough.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarkodie praised Akon for using his influence during his peak to uplift African musicians. He stated, “Big shouts to the legend @Akon for what you did for Afrobeats! We can’t skip that in history. Few artists at their prime will look back and support their people from the motherland! He did that in a big way.”
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Sarkodie’s remarks sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans agreed with his perspective, others felt Akon’s influence was overstated, asserting that the consistent efforts of African artists were more critical in elevating Afrobeats to global prominence.
This discussion follows Akon’s recent comments in an interview with Sherri Shepherd, where he reflected on his early contributions to the genre. He noted, “2008 was my last official album, and then I was producing music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From there, I went to Nigeria, where we created what you now hear as Afrobeats.”
Akon also recalled his work with Nigerian stars during the genre’s early years, mentioning that Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist he signed back in 2008, along with others like Banky W, PSquare, and D’banj.
Afrobeats, rooted in West Africa’s rich musical traditions, has emerged as one of the continent’s most powerful cultural exports. By 2023, it reached impressive global heights, with artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido performing worldwide and topping international music charts.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
