Senegalese-American singer and businessman Akon has shared his perspective on the long-running dispute involving P-Square and former label signee, Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as May D.
Speaking in an interview with Afrocani, Akon recalled his encounter with May D and members of the P-Square camp during the production of the video for their 2012 hit, Chop My Money.
The singer said he became concerned about the management of P-Square after learning that May D, whose vocals featured on the song, was initially excluded from the video shoot.
Akon said he considered the decision unprofessional and questioned why an artiste whose voice was featured prominently on a successful song would not appear in its visuals.
“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.”
According to Akon, he insisted that May D be brought to the United States because he believed talented artistes deserved opportunities to benefit from their work.
“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.”
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Prompt News reports Akon said that after meeting May D, he recognised his musical ability but felt the artiste lacked sufficient understanding of the business side of the industry.
“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.”
He further revealed that he privately offered May D an opportunity he believed could give him greater independence, but claimed the singer later disclosed their conversation to someone Akon believed was preventing him from achieving that freedom.
“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.”
Akon added, “That moment taught me something painful: talent can open the door, but ignorance can keep you trapped outside it.”
May D had previously spoken about his experience with P-Square, saying his problems with the group began after he was excluded from the Chop My Money remix video shoot.
He claimed Akon refused to participate in the video with the P-Square twins unless May D was also included in the production in the United States.
May D also disclosed that Akon subsequently offered him opportunities and promised to bring him back to America. However, he admitted that he made a mistake by revealing his discussions with Akon to Peter and Paul Okoye after returning to Nigeria.
Akon’s latest comments have renewed discussions about the importance of proper management, clear contractual agreements and legal protection for artistes working under record labels.
