Akon, however, admitted that despite being a full-blown celebrity before meeting Jackson, he remains “a child” compared to the late pop star.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senegalese-American singer Aliaune Thiam, better known as Akon, has recounted his memorable encounter with the late music legend, Michael Jackson.
Speaking in the latest edition of the We Need To Talk podcast, the ‘Oh Africa’ crooner described his collaboration with the deceased pop star as the “proudest moment” of his career.
However, he admitted that despite being a full-blown celebrity before meeting Jackson, he remains “a child” compared to him.
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While recounting their meeting on the show, the 53-year-old artist said, “My photo with Michael Jackson is my 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 (Michael Jackson).
“I was so happy because I grew up looking up to him. He is like everybody’s idol.”
Akon also spoke about his support for African music, claiming he once signed some Nigerian Afrobeats artists, including P-Square and Wizkid.
He, however, clarified that he didn’t sign Wizkid directly, but rather through his involvement in Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment.
“Nigerians are the most intelligent people on the planet. They have done amazingly well with Afrobeats,” he added.
