Nigerian music producer ID Cabasa has responded to Akon’s recent claim that he helped pioneer Afrobeats. While Cabasa agrees that Akon played a role in promoting Nigerian artists globally, he made it clear that Afrobeats was already thriving before Akon’s involvement.

Cabasa compared Akon’s statement to the colonial claim that Mungo Park discovered the River Niger. He said, “There was already a sound that attracted him, and you’re claiming you discovered it? That’s how it sounded.” The artists Akon mentioned, like Wizkid and Banky W, were already making big moves in the music scene before Akon came on the scene.

Though Cabasa praised Akon for marketing and helping Afrobeats grow, he said some of Akon’s claims went too far. “He actually played his own part… but some of the things he said were too heavy — saying he came and nurtured people… No. There was already a sound,” Cabasa explained.

ID Cabasa also warned about the growing Western influence on Afrobeats. He fears Nigerian artists are losing their unique cultural sound as they try to fit into international markets. “The West is now sounding more like Afrobeats, while we’re sounding more like R&B. That’s the real concern,” he said. He encouraged artists not to lose their identity just to fit in abroad.

To protect the genre’s roots, Cabasa has been reimagining classic Nigerian hits. This idea came from a talk with Olamide. Cabasa believes revisiting old sounds helps preserve culture and connects new fans with their musical heritage. “Sampling brings familiarity and emotional connection. Instead of sampling foreign music, why not revive our rich catalogue?” he added.

Cabasa’s work reminds the Nigerian music industry to remember its origins while growing globally. His message is clear: Afrobeats belongs to Africa first. Keeping its identity is very important.

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