Akon Reveals Emotional Moment Working With Michael Jackson Changed His Life Forever

(Akon. Photo Credit: BBC)

Senegalese-American singer Akon has opened up about the deep sense of pride he felt working alongside the late pop icon Michael Jackson.

Speaking during a recent episode of the We Need To Talk podcast, Akon described the collaboration as the single proudest moment of his entire career, adding that despite being a well-established celebrity himself at the time, he felt like a novice in the presence of Jackson.

The singer recalled looking up to Jackson from a young age, describing him as an idol to virtually everyone, and expressed how meaningful it was to have had the opportunity to work with someone he had admired so deeply throughout his life.

The 53-year-old also touched on his commitment to supporting African music, revealing that he had at various points signed Nigerian Afrobeats artists, including P-Square and Wizkid.

He did, however, clarify that his connection to Wizkid was indirect, coming through his involvement with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment, to which Wizkid was signed at the time.

Akon also took a moment to heap praise on Nigerians, describing them as exceptionally intelligent people and commending the remarkable global impact they have made through Afrobeats.