Akon Opens Up On P-Square, May D Rift: ‘Something Wasn’t Right’
Senegalese-American singer and record producer Akon has weighed in on the long-running dispute surrounding Nigerian music group P-Square, recounting his experience with the group and singer Mr May D during the production of Chop My Money in 2012.
Speaking in an interview with Afrocani, Akon said he became concerned about the professionalism of P-Square’s management after learning that May D, whose vocals featured on the hit song, was initially not expected to appear in its video.
According to him, he insisted that May D be brought to the United States for the video because he believed the singer deserved to be seen alongside the record’s other artistes.
Akon said meeting May D also made him realise that the singer had musical talent but lacked sufficient understanding of the business side of the industry.
He disclosed that he subsequently made May D a private offer, which he described as an opportunity for greater independence, but said the singer later shared details of their conversation with someone Akon believed was standing in his way.
“I knew something wasn’t right with the management when they wanted us to shoot the video without May D. That was simply unprofessional,” Akon said.
He added that the experience taught him that talent alone was not enough to succeed in the music industry without adequate knowledge of its business structures.
May D had previously said his troubles with P-Square began after he was excluded from the Chop My Money remix video shoot in the United States.
He claimed Akon insisted that he be included before agreeing to shoot the video with P-Square.
The renewed account comes amid the ongoing public fallout between P-Square’s twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, with Peter recently sharing details about the events he believes contributed to the group’s eventual split.
The revelations have also reignited conversations about professional music management, artistes’ contractual rights and the need for stronger legal protection for performers within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
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