In the late 2000s, the global music landscape was on the cusp of a massive transformation. Behind the scenes, music mogul and Konvict Muzik founder Akon was positioned at the ultimate crossroads of music history.
In a recent, eye-opening interview with The Shade Room, Akon pulled back the curtain on two pivotal choices from that era. He addressed a long-standing rumor in the industry: Why did he move forward with signing Nigerian superstar Wizkid, while passing on Canadian rap powerhouse Drake?
What followed is a fascinating lesson in recognizing raw potential, the realities of limited budgets, and how a single decision can change the trajectory of global music.
Part 1: "I didn't discover him"—How Akon Signed Wizkid
For years, fans believed Akon was the sole mastermind who "discovered" Wizkid and brought him to the global stage. During his interview, Akon was quick to set the record straight and give credit where it is truly due: Banky W.
"Banky W discovered Wizkid," Akon admitted. "That's how that collaboration went. I went to Nigeria, and Banky brought me Wiz, and I'm like: 'Bro! This kid is a star.'"
At the time, Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label had the talent, but lacked the massive international infrastructure required to push Wizkid into the Western mainstream. Recognizing a once-in-a-generation talent, Akon stepped in to bridge the gap.
By partnering with Banky W and officially signing Wizkid to Konvict Muzik around 2008, Akon gave the young star the American market exposure he needed.
The Wizkid Effect:
wizkid
- The Launchpad: The partnership broke Wizkid into the United States, giving him international visibility long before Afrobeats became the global powerhouse it is today.
- The Evolution: It laid the groundwork for Wizkid to launch his own highly successful imprint, Starboy Entertainment, in 2013.
- The Legacy: Today, Wizkid is a global icon, collaborating with everyone from Beyoncé to Justin Bieber—and ironically, Drake himself.
Part 2: The $1 Million Risk—Why Akon Passed on Drake
While Akon’s bet on Wizkid paid off, his history with Drake is a classic tale of "right artist, wrong time". Around 2008, a young Canadian rapper was starting to make noise. Akon was put on to him early by fellow Canadian artist Kardinal Offishall.
So why didn't the deal happen? Akon cites two major reasons: financial constraints and artistic direction.
1. The Sound Wasn't There Yet
According to Akon, early-era Drake hadn't yet developed the signature, genre-bending R&B/Rap sound that defines him today.
"He was the Drake that sounded like Eminem," Akon recalled. "The records of him that they played were sounding like that of Eminem."
2. The $1 Million Price Tag
Because of the heavy buzz surrounding Drake, a massive bidding war was already brewing behind the scenes. Despite not quite seeing the full vision yet, Akon wanted to make things official—but the price was simply too steep.
"He was requesting a whopping $1 million to sign for me... By the time he did 'Best I Ever Had', that was when I got really into him, but by that time it was too late. He was too expensive. I don't have a million dollars."
Drake eventually signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in 2009, and the rest is history. Though Akon missed out on Drizzy, he harbors zero regrets, calling Drake "a genius" who is worth "every single penny."