LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Global music star, Akon has described his collaboration with late pop icon Michael Jackson as the proudest achievement of his career while reflecting on his decades-long journey in the music industry.
Senegalese-American singer Akon has shared details about working with the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, calling the experience one of the biggest highlights of his music career.
During a recent appearance on the We Need To Talk podcast, the award-winning singer spoke openly about how much the legendary entertainer meant to him growing up.
According to Akon, taking a photo with Michael Jackson remains one of his most treasured memories despite already being a global celebrity at the time.
“My photo with Michael Jackson is my most proudest photo. I was already a full blown celebrity at the point the photo was taken. But I am a child compared to this man. I was so happy because I grew up looking up to him. He is like everybody’s Idol,” he said.
The 53-year-old singer has spent more than two decades in the music industry after launching his professional career in the early 2000s.
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However, his breakthrough moment arrived in 2004 following the release of his debut album ‘Trouble’, which introduced him to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Over the years, Akon has built a reputation for collaborating with some of the biggest names in global music.
Reports estimate that he has worked with more than 300 artists across genres including pop, hip-hop, R&B, reggae, dance music, Latin music, and Afrobeats.
His most memorable collaborations include songs with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Pitbull, David Guetta, and Keri Hilson.
He also teamed up with Michael Jackson on “Hold My Hand,” which was released posthumously in 2010, while “Oh Africa” became one of the standout songs connected to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
In addition, Akon played an important role in the international rise of Afrobeats through collaborations with Nigerian stars such as Wizkid, P-Square, D’banj, and Banky W.
Beyond making hit songs, the music executive has also helped shape the careers of younger stars through his record labels.
Artists like Lady Gaga and T-Pain benefited from his support during the early stages of their rise to fame.
