Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, and businessman Akon has weighed in on the impasse concerning the P-Square music group.
In an interview with Afrocani, Akon revealed his experience when he crossed paths with another artiste,
Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as Mr May D, and the Northside crew for the video of ‘Chop My Money’ in 2012.
These revelations began weeks ago when one of the P-Square twins, Peter Okoye, began a tell-all series about what has caused his rift with his brothers, Paul Okoye and Jude Okoye, the players that led to the dissolution of P-Square.
The musician noted that he observed the P-Square management was not being run professionally.
”I knew something wasn’t right with the management when they wanted us to shoot the video without May D. That was simply unprofessional.
”I first sensed something was wrong when the management told me May D would not appear in the video for a hit record that carried his golden voice.
”Honestly, I felt bad for him. I know how painful it can be to hear your voice become part of something successful, yet be denied the opportunity to stand in the visuals and be seen.
”I insisted that May D be brought to America because I believe anyone who has talent and is being heard deserves the opportunity to be seen. That is what fame is supposed to be about – opening doors, not closing them.
”When I finally met him, I saw a man with genuine musical potential. But I also realised, while he understood music, he didn’t fully understand the business behind it.
”I felt for him. So I made him a private offer- not for favour but as a ticket for freedom. Sadly, he turned around and shared that offer with the person I believed was standing between him and that freedom.
”That moment taught me something painful: talent can open the door, but ignorance can keep you trapped outside it,” says Akon.
Last year, May D had stated in another interview that his problems with Psquare began when he was excluded from the music video shoot for the remix of ‘Chop My Money’, which included the American-Senegalese artist.
May D said that Akon refused to shoot the video with the twin singers unless he was involved in the video production in America.
Following that, Akon offered him various opportunities and promised to fly him back to America. However, he admitted that when he returned to Nigeria, he made the error of telling the Psquare brothers about his conversations with Akon.
This has brought the narratives on how music labels should be run professionally and artistes under the labels sign contracts backed by law.
