Akon explains choosing Wizkid over Drake: $1M demand too high for emerging act

In an interview with The Shade Room published earlier today, Akon said he signed Wizkid in 2008 through Banky W's Empire Mate Entertainment because Drake, then an emerging artist, demanded $1 million to sign—a fee Akon deemed too high. Akon credited Banky W for discovering Wizkid's talent and said he introduced the Nigerian star to the American market, noting they had limited resources but believed in Wizkid's star potential.

The revelation comes as Wizkid continues to dominate global charts, recently becoming the first African artiste to top the Billboard Global 200. Banky W's Empire Mate Entertainment, based in Lagos, played a pivotal role in Wizkid's early career before his international breakout, providing the foundation that allowed Akon's introduction to the US market to succeed.

This story highlights the early career of Nigeria's global music icon Wizkid and underscores the role of local industry players like Banky W in nurturing talent before international recognition. It also sheds light on the financial negotiations that can shape an artist's path, showing how Wizkid's breakthrough came via a more affordable deal that leveraged local support.

For emerging Nigerian artists, does this story suggest prioritizing local development and relationships before pursuing costly international deals, or should they pursue global opportunities early despite high costs, trusting their talent to justify the investment?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/15/why-i-signed-wizkid-instead-of-drake-akon/