Senegalese American music star Akon has showered praise on Nigerians, describing them as the “most intelligent people on the planet” while applauding the remarkable rise of Afrobeats across the world.
The singer made the statement during a recent appearance on the “We Need To Talk” podcast, where he reflected on his music journey, his connection to Africa’s entertainment industry, and his unforgettable moments with late pop icon Michael Jackson.
Speaking about Jackson, Akon revealed that one of the most treasured memories of his career remains the photograph he took with the global superstar. According to him, despite already enjoying fame and success at the time, he still felt humbled standing beside someone he considered an inspiration to millions around the world.
He explained that Michael Jackson was far more than just a music star, describing him as an idol admired across generations.
Akon also spoke proudly about his role in supporting African music talents, especially in Nigeria. He recalled working closely with Banky W through Empire Mates Entertainment, a platform that helped spotlight several Afrobeats stars.
The singer mentioned that the label worked with notable Nigerian acts including P-Square and Wizkid, artists who later became global names in the music industry.
While praising the growth of Afrobeats, Akon said Nigerians have shown exceptional creativity and brilliance in pushing their sound beyond Africa and onto the world stage.
