LAGOS, Nigeria — Senegalese-American singer Akon has criticised the management of P-Square over an attempt to exclude May D from the video for the 2012 hit “Chop My Money.”
“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 in an interview with Afrocani.
Akon said the decision immediately raised concerns about how the Nigerian singer was being handled.
May D, whose full name is Akinmayokun Awodumila, provided vocals on the song alongside P-Square and Akon.
Akon said he could not understand why an artiste whose contribution was central to the record would be denied the visibility that came with appearing in its video.
“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,” he said.
Akon said he refused to proceed on those terms and insisted that May D be brought to the United States for the shoot.
“I believe anyone who has talent and is being heard deserves the opportunity to be seen,” he said. “That is what fame is supposed to be about — opening doors, not closing them.”
May D eventually appeared in the final video alongside Akon and P-Square twins Peter and Paul Okoye.
May D Had Previously Made Similar Claim
May D has previously said he was initially excluded from plans for the “Chop My Money” video and credited Akon with ensuring he was included.
He claimed Akon later discussed additional opportunities with him in the United States, but said he made the mistake of sharing those conversations with members of the P-Square camp after returning to Nigeria.
Akon said he saw considerable potential in May D but believed the singer lacked sufficient understanding of the business side of the music industry.
He said he privately offered him opportunities aimed at giving him greater professional independence.
“That moment taught me something painful: talent can open the door, but ignorance can keep you trapped outside it,” Akon said.
May D’s relationship with Square Records later deteriorated, and he left the label in 2012.
Akon’s comments have renewed discussion about that period in P-Square’s history, particularly amid continuing public disputes involving Peter Okoye, Paul Okoye and their elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye.
Neither the Okoye brothers nor Jude had publicly responded to Akon’s latest account.
