Akon Reveals Why He Signed Wizkid in 2008
Music star Akon explained that he signed Wizkid in 2008 after being introduced by Banky W, who had already developed the artist. Akon also noted that he passed on signing Drake early in his career due to a $1 million asking price.
Why it matters
This provides insight into the early career development of major global music stars and the financial decision-making processes of record labels.
Senegalese-American music star, Aliaune Thiam, simply known as Akon, has opened up about how he became involved in Wizkid’s early career, revealing that he signed the Nigerian singer through Olubankole Wellington, aka Banky W, after recognising his potential during a visit to Nigeria. Speaking in a now-trending interview with The Shade Room on Tuesday, Akon dismissed suggestions that he personally discovered Wizkid, insisting that the credit belongs to Banky W, who had already identified and developed the young artiste before introducing him. “Banky W discovered Wizkid. That’s how that collaboration went. I went to Nigeria, and Banky brought me Wiz, and I’m like: ‘Bro!
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