NaijaBrains: Celebrating Music On The Web

Artiste Website: Myspace, Official Website

Artiste Interview: Nigerian Entertainment Interview

Label: Question Mark Records/Entertainment

Popular Track: Eiye Adaba

Producer : Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo

Album Title: Asa

Favourite Instrument: The Guitar

Album Sale: Any record store

American music superstar Akon was in Nigeria recently for this year’s Calabar Christmas Carnival which the state extended to Lagos. Akon spoke to Adeola Balogun about his love for Nigeria, and why he feels Nigeria is one of the best places to make money. How do you feel coming back here to perform for the third time?

I love this country like it is my own fatherland, my second home. I am happy to be here again doing the things that makes me happy.

What fond memories about Nigeria do you have?

It’s like reminding me that I am 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 that you are near your roots. To speak 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 they come my way.

How would you rate your 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 also stood by me. In my moments of despair, they have been very supportive within America and around the world.

You said there was a lot of money in Nigeria; does the entertainment side pull you also to Nigeria?

Well, for entertainment you can get it anywhere. But the money is just what you can get in a 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 the song ‘Mama Africa’ is all about educating the people of the world about my roots and also educating 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 which Africa possesses, thereby letting people know where I am 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?

I have already thought about that. Right now as we speak, I have a foundation called Confidence Foundation. What we do in America is go to schools and hospitals and assist people who need one form of help or the other. We have been doing good since we came up with the Foundation.

What is your perception about Nigerian women?

Nigerian women will get a very high rating from me if I am to judge them by what I have seen about them.

I think they are cool, down to earth and very friendly. So, from the ratio of one to ten I will give them a nine (laughs).

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. 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.

What is your strongest selling point as an international music artiste?

My strongest selling point is being on stage and doing my thing with so much passion I always have it at the back of my heart to make sure that my fans enjoy every bit of their money, because they are the reason why I am where I am.

Do you have plans to collaborate with Nigerians 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 will be.