‘Akon didn’t create afrobeat, it is not something one person can do’ — Music Producer ID Cabasa spills

One Ace music producer Olumide Ogunade popularly known as ID Cabasa, has dismissed claims by Senegalese-American music executive Akon that he played a foundational role in the creation of Afrobeats.

Speaking in a recent interview with Wazobia FM, Cabasa argued that the genre was already well-established in Nigeria long before Akon’s collaborations with local artists began in the late 2000s.

He pointed to the success of artists like 2Face Idibia, 9ice, and Timaya as evidence that Afrobeats was already flourishing.

Cabasa also corrected the narrative around Wizkid, stating that the star was discovered and signed by Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment, not Akon.

According to Cabasa, Akon’s contributions were more aligned with distribution and international branding rather than the actual creation of the genre.

He stressed that Afrobeats is a collective cultural movement, shaped by many voices and experiences—not the work of a single individual.

Cabasa said:

“Akon for also tok say na he still discovered the likes of 2Face, Timaya, 9ice and Co. Na the people wey he roll with when he come Nigeria, wey tell am say, ‘I’m the biggest person around this place.’ So, he properly feels he pioneered business and branding sides of Afrobeats.

“Even the way wey he take dey tok about Wizkid, no be wettin the story be be that. We all know say na Banky W dem sign Wizkid. Yes, we collaborate with Akon in terms of distribution but e no mean say he go tok say na he create Afrobeats. Because Afrobeats no be wetin wey one person create, na culture.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>