Veteran Nigerian record producer and music executive, Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, has firmly rejected claims made by Senegalese-American singer and music mogul Akon regarding the origin of Afrobeats. In a recent interview, Akon suggested that his early collaborations with Nigerian artists were pivotal in the creation and global rise of the Afrobeats genre — a statement that has sparked backlash among music stakeholders in Nigeria.
In an exclusive chat with Wazobia FM, ID Cabasa addressed the controversy, emphasizing that Akon cannot lay claim to the creation of Afrobeats. While acknowledging the global star’s involvement in the Nigerian music industry during the late 2000s and early 2010s, Cabasa made it clear that Akon was neither a pioneer nor a foundational figure in the genre’s inception.
“Afrobeats is a cultural movement, not the invention of any one person,” Cabasa said. “Yes, Akon collaborated with Nigerian acts and helped in distribution, but that doesn’t mean he created Afrobeats.”
Akon, in a recent interview that has since gone viral, claimed that his record label played a major role in discovering and elevating Nigerian stars like Wizkid, implying that the success of Afrobeats was largely shaped by his influence and strategic partnerships in Africa.
However, Cabasa firmly rejected those assertions, recalling that long before Akon began working with Nigerian artists, local musicians had already been making waves across the continent. He mentioned key names such as 2Face Idibia, 9ice, and Timaya, who were already gaining prominence before Akon ventured into Nigeria’s music scene.
“If Akon wants to take credit, he might as well say he discovered 2Face, Timaya, and 9ice too,” Cabasa said. “By the time he started linking up with Nigerian artists, these names were already stars. His involvement came at a time when Afrobeats was growing organically within Nigeria and West Africa.”
One of the more contentious parts of Akon’s narrative is the claim that he discovered Wizkid and signed him to his record label in 2008, effectively grooming him for international success. But Cabasa was quick to set the record straight on that too.
“We all know say na Banky W discover and sign Wizkid to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME),” he explained in Pidgin. “Akon and his label only came in through a partnership later. Collaborating on distribution no mean say na you groom the artist.”
Cabasa argued that such narratives not only misrepresent the history of the genre but also downplay the efforts of the Nigerian music community, which laid the groundwork for Afrobeats’ success long before global stars took notice.
“The truth is, Afrobeats wasn’t created by any one individual. It’s the result of years of innovation, passion, and hard work by countless Nigerian artists, producers, and music executives,” he emphasized.
He further expressed concern that Akon’s claims could mislead younger audiences and international fans who may not be fully aware of the genre’s roots.
“E be like say, because Akon roll with some big names for Nigeria that time, dem tell am say, ‘I be the biggest person for here,’ so e begin feel say na him pioneer the branding and business of Afrobeats,” Cabasa added. “But we need to dey honest with our history. No be so the thing take start.”
The music veteran insisted that Afrobeats is the result of a collective cultural and artistic evolution, shaped by diverse sounds, grassroots support, and homegrown talent.
“Afrobeats na culture. E no get one person wey fit stand say na him create am. Everybody contribute, from the artists to the producers to the fans wey support the music from day one,” Cabasa said passionately.
Industry Reactions and Legacy Concerns
Cabasa’s remarks have sparked fresh conversations across social media platforms, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments and crediting early Nigerian pioneers for laying the foundation of what is now a global sound. Fans and music critics alike are calling for more accurate documentation and preservation of Afrobeats history, especially as the genre continues to dominate international charts.
In recent years, Afrobeats has grown into a global phenomenon, with Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Tems headlining festivals and winning international awards. Despite the global recognition, figures like ID Cabasa believe it is critical to recognize the genre’s true origins and the numerous contributors behind its rise.
As the Afrobeats movement continues to thrive on the global stage, Cabasa’s comments serve as a timely reminder that the genre’s legacy belongs to a whole generation — not a single individual.
“Let’s give credit where it’s due,” Cabasa concluded. “Akon played a role, no doubt. But creating Afrobeats? That credit belongs to the culture and to all of us who built it from the ground up.”
