Senegalese-American singer and music executive Akon has revealed that he once had the opportunity to sign Drake but ultimately walked away from the deal because of the amount Drake was asking for.
Speaking about one of the biggest “what if” moments of his career, Akon disclosed that Drake was asking for $1 million, a figure he wasn’t prepared to pay. That decision, however, eventually led him to another artist who would go on to become one of Africa’s biggest music exports—Wizkid.
Recalling the moment, Akon 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.”
The revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Akon’s career as a music executive, especially considering Drake’s rise to become one of the world’s most commercially successful artists.
While passing on Drake may seem costly in hindsight, Akon’s decision also paved the way for his involvement in Wizkid’s international journey.
At the time, Wizkid was signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the record label founded by Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Banky W.
Following the introduction, Akon partnered with the Afrobeats star, helping expose his music to a broader international audience during the early stages of his global career.
Wizkid would later emerge as one of the leading faces of Afrobeats, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry and playing a significant role in bringing Nigerian music to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, Drake went on to become one of the most successful artists of his generation, dominating global charts with multiple Grammy Awards, record-breaking streaming numbers and countless hit songs.
Looking back, Akon’s story underscores how unpredictable the music business can be, where a single decision can dramatically alter the course of an artist’s career—or that of the executive making the call.
Despite missing out on Drake, Akon has remained widely respected for his contributions to African music. Over the years, he has consistently supported artists from the continent, using his influence and industry connections to help introduce African talent to international audiences.
His latest revelation has since sparked conversations among music fans, with many debating whether passing on Drake was one of the biggest missed opportunities in music history or a decision that ultimately helped open the door for Wizkid’s global success.
For Akon, however, the story is less about regret and more about how one decision unexpectedly led him to another artist who would leave an undeniable mark on the global music industry.
