Why I signed Wizkid over Drake – Akon

Akon has opened up on why he signed Africa’s Wizkid, over Drake

Making the revelation, he revealed that he once had the opportunity to sign Drake but decided to let go because of the money he requested.

According to the singer and music executive, Drake was asking for $1 million at the time, and Akon chose not to move forward with the deal. Instead, he later signed Wizkid after being introduced to the Nigerian star by Banky W.

He said:

“I missed the chance to sign Drake because I didn’t want to pay the $1 million he was asking for. Then Banky W introduced me to Wizkid, I signed him instead, and helped break him into the American market.”

Akon’s comments highlight how close he came to signing Drake before the Canadian rapper became one of the biggest names in hip-hop and global stage.

Wizkid was originally signed to Empire Mates Entertainment, the label founded by Banky W., before building an international career that helped push Nigerian music onto the world stage.

Akon has long been credited with supporting African artists and helping expand their reach beyond the continent.