Akon Hails Michael Jackson Collaboration as “Proudest Moment” of His Career

|By Queen Banigo and Tamunonemi   A. Belema

Senegalese-American music star Akon has described his collaboration with late pop icon Michael Jackson as the most defining moment of his career, calling it a privilege to work with someone he grew up idolising.

Speaking on the We Need To Talk podcast, Akon said the experience stood above all his achievements in music, noting that although he was already a global celebrity at the time, he still felt “like a child” in the presence of Jackson.

He revealed that his photo with the King of Pop remains his “proudest image,” stressing the deep admiration he had for the legendary entertainer.

“I was so happy because I grew up looking up to him. He is everybody’s idol,” he said.

The Oh Africa hitmaker also reflected on his contribution to the rise of African music globally, revealing that he supported and worked with several Nigerian acts, including P-Square and Wizkid through early industry connections.

He clarified that Wizkid was not directly signed by him but came through his involvement with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment.

Praising Nigeria’s creative industry, Akon added that Nigerians are “the most intelligent people on the planet” and credited them for the global rise of Afrobeats.