America-based hip-hop star, Akon, was in Nigeria for last year’s Calabar Christmas Carnival in Lagos. The Senegalese, who has been in Nigeria more than three times since his first visit three years ago courtesy Westside Music, he spoke about his love for Nigeria, and why he feels Nigeria is one of the best places to make money. Akon, who was recently declared Best Selling Hip-Hop Artiste at the World Music Awards, Monaco (that’s his first award as a musician), also commented on Nigerian women, who, according to him, he could not resist their beauty and charm. The interview took place before the show. Excerpt:
Akon, welcome to Nigeria once again; how do you feel coming back to perform at Calabar Christmas Carnival?
For the third time I am loving this country like my own fatherland, my second home. I am happy to be here again doing the thing that makes me happy, and I am grateful to the Cross River State government for making it come to pass.
What fond memories coming back to Nigeria to perform hold for you?
It’s like remembering that as African, every chance I get to come back home, whether it is Ghana, Nigeria or Senegal or any other country, I won’t hesitate to come back. There is always a feeling of joy knowing you are near your roots and speaking the truth, there is a lot of money to be made in Nigeria through performing at shows, and I don’t fail to take such chances when and if it comes my way.
How would you rate your rise to success as an artiste?
I would rate it pretty good, I am very happy about it, I give special thanks to God who has made it possible for me to get this far in life. I tell you, there is no success without God, so just give it to Him, and also my African brothers who have stood by me in my moments of despair, they have been very supportive within America and around the world.
You said there is a lot of money in Nigeria; does the entertainment side pull you to Nigeria?
Well, the entertainment you can get anywhere, but the money is just what you can get in very few countries, and Nigeria is just one of these countries in the world.
What is the concept behind your hit song Mama Africa?
The concept of Mama Africa is all about educating the people of the world about my roots and also other black brothers around the world, who don’t know much about Africa, where they are from. So, the song is all about educating people about the rich values Africa possesses, thereby letting people know where I come from, so I made the song describing Africa in my own words and ways.
You have made so much money through music, what are you doing in terms of giving back to the society you got it from?
I have already thought about that, right now as we speak, I have a foundation called Confidence Foundation, and what we do in America is go to schools and hospitals and assist people who need one form of help or the other, and we are doing good since we came up with the Foundation.
What should Nigerians expect from you when you mount the stage at the concert?
They should expect a very massive performance from me; it’s going to be a high energy show that would rock the city of Lagos, because I am going to raise the roof so high that Nigerians will begin to wonder what’s going on, and at the end of the day they will get their money’s worth for a show that would mark the end of the year.
What is your perception about Nigerian women?
Nigerian women will get very high rating from me if I am to judge them by what I have seen. I think they are cool, down-to-earth and very friendly, so from the ratio of one to 10, I would give them nine. In fact, they are sweet [laugher].
Tell us something about your music label, Convict Music.
Convict Music is growing stronger by the day, and with time it will take over the music industry in America and indeed the whole of Europe, because we have an array of music stars that can hold their own anywhere in the world. So, Convict Music is not just going to be an American label but also an African label as well.
What is your strong selling point as an international music artiste?
My strong selling point is being on stage and doing my thing with so much passion, because I always have it at the back of my heart to make sure my fans enjoy every bit of their money. They are the reason why I am where I am.
Do you have plans to collaborate with Nigerian artistes?
Yes, there is something going on right now and I won’t mention any names, because it’s going to be a surprise to all of you. So, just keep watching, because you might never know who it would be.
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