Entertainment
Akon Explains Why He Signed Wizkid Instead Of Drake
Senegalese-American singer and music executive Akon has revealed why he chose to sign Nigerian superstar Wizkid instead of Canadian rapper Drake during the early stages of their careers.
Speaking in a recent interview with The Shade Room, Akon said he signed Wizkid in 2008 through Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment because Drake’s financial demands were too high at the time.
According to Akon, Drake was still an upcoming artist and had not yet developed the sound that would later make him a global star. He claimed the rapper wanted a $1 million signing deal, which he considered too expensive.
Akon also said he played a key role in introducing Wizkid to the American music market but credited Banky W for discovering and developing the singer’s talent.
He said, “Banky W discovered Wizkid. 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.’
“They had limited resources, so when I signed Wiz, that was what broke him into the United States.”