Akon, the legendary Popstar whose music defined the early 2000s American R&B and Hip Hop scene, recently shared intriguing insights into his life and career in a new interview with the “Drinking Champs” music podcast.

The interview covered Akon’s early life in America, his rise to music stardom, and his significant contribution to promoting Afrobeats to the international audience through collaborations with Nigerian artists. During the conversation, Akon praised Nigerians, hailing them as the smartest people on the African continent, likening Nigeria to New York City. He acknowledged that while some individuals might misuse their intelligence, it doesn’t diminish the overall brilliance of Nigerians.

Additionally, Akon revealed his fondness for Jollof rice, highlighting the differences in Nigerian, Senegalese, Ghanaian, and Liberian versions. He emphasized his longstanding connection with Nigerian music, dating back to as early as 2007 when he began collaborating with Nigerian artists. Notably, Akon’s collaborations with Nigerian megastars, such as P-Square and Wizkid, have played a crucial role in the global exportation of Afrobeats.