Akon Didn’t Create Afrobeats, It’s a Culture – ID Cabasa

Veteran record producer ID Cabasa has come out strongly to dispute Senegalese-American music executive Akon’s claim that he played a key role in creating the Afrobeats genre. In a recent interview with Wazobia FM, Cabasa argued that Afrobeats was already a thriving genre in Nigeria before Akon’s collaborations with local artists in the late 2000s.

Cabasa cited artists like 2Face, 9ice, and Timaya, who were already making waves in the industry, as evidence that Afrobeats was alive and well before Akon’s involvement. He also clarified that Wizkid was discovered and signed by Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment, not Akon, as some might claim.

Shatta Wale Fires Back: Dancehall Star Defends Sammy Gyamfi Amid Dollar Gift Uproar

According to Cabasa, Akon’s involvement in Afrobeats was more about distribution and branding, rather than creating the genre itself. Cabasa emphasized that Afrobeats is a cultural phenomenon that can’t be attributed to one person. “Afrobeats no be wettin wey one person create, na culture,” he said in Pidgin English, meaning that Afrobeats is a product of Nigerian culture and can’t be credited to a single individual.

A Different Perspective

Cabasa’s comments offer a different perspective on Akon’s role in Afrobeats. While Akon has been credited with helping to popularize Afrobeats globally, Cabasa’s argument is that the genre was already thriving in Nigeria before Akon’s involvement. This perspective highlights the importance of acknowledging the cultural roots of Afrobeats and the contributions of Nigerian artists who have shaped the genre.

Lil Kesh Opens Up About His Skepticism Towards Marriage: “It Doesn’t Work”

The Role of Akon in Afrobeats

Cabasa’s comments don’t dismiss Akon’s role in Afrobeats entirely. Akon has indeed played a role in promoting Afrobeats globally, and his collaborations with Nigerian artists have helped to increase the genre’s visibility. However, Cabasa’s argument is that Akon’s role should not be overstated, and that the credit for creating Afrobeats should go to the Nigerian artists and producers who have worked tirelessly to develop the genre.

The Importance of Cultural Context

Cabasa’s comments highlight the importance of cultural context in understanding the development of Afrobeats. Afrobeats is a genre that is deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, and its development can’t be attributed to a single individual or event. Rather, it’s a product of the cultural, social, and economic factors that have shaped Nigeria’s music industry over the years.

Nana Aba Slams Critics:You Mean Sammy Gyamfi Had No Dollars Until NDC Won Elections?

Conclusion

ID Cabasa’s comments on Akon’s role in Afrobeats offer a valuable perspective on the genre’s development. While Akon has played a role in promoting Afrobeats globally, Cabasa’s argument is that the genre’s roots are deeply embedded in Nigerian culture. As Afrobeats continues to gain popularity around the world, it’s essential to acknowledge the cultural context in which it developed and the contributions of Nigerian artists who have shaped the genre.

The Future of Afrobeats

As Afrobeats continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see new artists and producers emerge who will push the genre in new and exciting directions. With its infectious rhythms and catchy melodies, Afrobeats has become a staple of Nigerian music, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Whether or not Akon’s involvement played a role in Afrobeats’ global popularity, one thing is certain: Afrobeats is here to stay.

Source: Africa Publicity