We can’t ignore Akon’s contribution to the global dominance of Afrobeats - Sarkodie
Award winning Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie has acknowledged the significant role Senegalese- American singer Akon has played in propelling Afrobeats to global prominence.
According to Sarkodie, Akon's collaborations and influence have been instrumental in introducing Afrobeats to a broader international audience, paving the way for other artists in the genre.
In a social media post on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Sarkodie lauded Akon for being a trailblazing African-American artist who leveraged his success to promote and invest in African talent.(Read Shirley Frimpong-Manso takes the stage with ‘Honeymoon Hotel’)
He noted that Akon's influence on Afrobeats is undeniable and deserves acknowledgment as a key contributor to the genre's global success.
Sarkodie noted that it's rare for high-profile artists to use their platform to support emerging African musicians, making Akon's efforts all the more remarkable.
He wrote, “Big shouts to the legend AKON for what you did for Afrobeats!!! We can’t skip that in history… few artists in their prime will look back and put their people on from the motherland ! He did that in a big way ! Of course it’s been bigger and better since but we can’t ignore his contribution to the global dominance of afrobeats”.
Sarkodie's praise for Akon follows a recent interview where Akon discussed his early involvement in Afrobeats. Speaking with Sherri Shepherd, the "Lonely" singer recalled how, after releasing his album Freedom, he became immersed in the African music scene, particularly in Nigeria, and played a role in its development. (ReadThere’s too much exploitation in GH modelling industry: –Victoria Michaels)
“…I was in Africa, and time just flew past. 2008 was my last official album, which was the ‘Freedom’ album. And then I produced the music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From there, I went to Nigeria. What we created in Nigeria was what you see and hear now as Afrobeats,” he shared.
See post below:
