Akon recently revisited his early encounter with Wizkid, describing him as a teenage music prodigy and claiming he spotted his talent before his mainstream breakthrough.
Akon has again spoken about meeting Wizkid when he was about 14–15 years old around that time Wizkid wrote songs for Banky w and other top artists.
Akon has spoken publicly about meeting Wizkid when he was very young and already showing strong musical talent. The story has gone viral again because it connects two big names in global music: Akon and Wizkid, and raises questions about who truly shaped Wizkid’s early career.
Key facts about Akon and Wizkid’s connection
Akon described Wizkid as a teenager, around 14–15 years old, when they first met. He referred to him as a “wizard” because of how advanced his music talent already was.
Wizkid later rose to fame under Banky W and E.M.E Records in 2010 with his breakout single “Holla at Your Boy”.
Akon also claimed early interest in Wizkid through Konvict Music and suggested he helped bring attention to Afrobeats internationally.
Did Akon meet Wizkid when he was 14 or 15?
Yes according to the singer, Akon’s statement is based on his personal recollection of when he first encountered Wizkid’s talent.
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990. Based on that timeline:
- 2004–2005: Wizkid would be around 14–15 years old
- 2007–2008: Around 17–18 years old
- 2010: Around 19–20 years old when he broke into mainstream fame
Public records of Wizkid’s rise place his major breakthrough closer to 2009–2010 under E.M.E Records.
Did Wizkid write songs for Banky W as a teenager?
Yes wizkid wrote songs for Banky W as claimed by Akon, Wizkid’s early time at E.M.E Records built his reputation as a fast-rising songwriter and performer.
He worked closely with Banky W during the early E.M.E era and contributed creatively within the label environment.
Confirmed points:
- Wizkid joined E.M.E around 2009
- He began recording professionally under the label shortly after
- He also wrote songs for Banky W at age 14 to 15
- He became a breakout star with “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010
There is no verified record showing Wizkid writing major Banky W releases as a teenage ghostwriter but you can watch the clip below as Akon confirms this.
Did Akon officially sign Wizkid to Konvict Music?
No Akon’s connection to Wizkid comes from early recognition and industry discussions around Konvict Music.
Akon was actively scouting African talent during that period and praised rising artists across the continent.
What is confirmed:
- Konvict Music explored African collaborations
- Wizkid received early international attention and praise
- Wizkid’s official career launch came through E.M.E Records
There is no official discography showing Wizkid as a fully developed Konvict Music signee.
Did Akon help Afrobeats grow globally?
Akon played a visible role in promoting African music internationally during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
He collaborated with African artists and helped bring attention to the sound outside the continent.
However, Afrobeats’ global rise came from multiple forces:
- Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy
- Producers shaping the Lagos sound
- YouTube and streaming platforms
- UK and diaspora Afrobeats movement
Why Akon’s story about Wizkid keeps trending
Stories like this trend because they connect early career moments with global superstar success.
Wizkid is now one of Africa’s biggest music exports, so any mention of his teenage years attracts attention.
Akon’s comments add a discovery narrative, showing Wizkid as a prodigy discovered early by international ears.
What actually matters in the Akon and Wizkid story
The verified timeline is clear:
- Wizkid showed early musical talent in Lagos
- E.M.E Records shaped his official breakthrough
- Akon recognized him early and praised his talent
- Konvict Music did not replace Wizkid’s E.M.E foundation
- Afrobeats’ rise came from multiple artists and industry shifts
Akon’s comments remain part of Wizkid’s early story, but his mainstream rise is firmly rooted in Nigeria’s E.M.E era in 2010.
Wizkid doing the most