Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer and businessman Akon has opened up about his experience with the P-Square music group and the circumstances surrounding his encounter with Nigerian artiste Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as May D.
Speaking in an interview with Afrocani, Akon recalled his involvement in the 2012 video for P-Square’s hit song “Chop My Money,” which also featured May D and Akon.
His comments come amid renewed discussions surrounding the long-running rift between P-Square’s twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, as well as their older brother and former manager, Jude Okoye.
According to Akon, he became concerned about the way P-Square’s management was being handled when he was informed that May D would not be featured in the music video for “Chop My Money,” despite his vocals being an important part of the song.
“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 explained that he found the decision troubling because May D had contributed to a successful record and, in his view, deserved the opportunity to appear in its visuals.
“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.”
Akon said he insisted that May D be brought to the United States for the video shoot because he believed artists whose talents were being recognised deserved the opportunity to benefit from that exposure.
“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.”
After meeting May D, Akon said he recognised his musical potential but also felt that the artiste lacked sufficient knowledge of the business side of the entertainment industry.
Akon further disclosed that he privately offered May D opportunities he believed could help him become more independent professionally.
According to him, however, May D later shared details of the offer with someone Akon believed was preventing him from achieving that independence.
“That moment taught me something painful: talent can open the door, but ignorance can keep you trapped outside it,” he said.
May D had previously spoken about his experience with P-Square, claiming that his problems with the group began after he was excluded from the video shoot for the remix of “Chop My Money.”
He said Akon had refused to proceed with the shoot unless May D was included in the production in the United States.
May D also disclosed that Akon subsequently offered him several opportunities and promised to bring him back to America. However, he admitted that he made the mistake of telling the P-Square brothers about his conversations with Akon after returning to Nigeria.
The revelations have once again drawn attention to the importance of professional management and legally binding agreements within the Nigerian music industry.
For emerging artistes, talent and hit records are only part of the equation. Proper contracts, intellectual-property protection, transparent financial arrangements and independent legal or business advice can be crucial in protecting an artiste’s career and interests.
While Akon’s account provides his perspective on the events surrounding May D and P-Square, the comments should be understood as his version of what happened. The full circumstances surrounding the dispute would require the perspectives of all the parties involved.