ID Cabasa, the renowned Nigerian music producer, recently shared his thoughts on Akon’s remarks regarding his influence on the Afrobeats genre. During an appearance on a television show, Cabasa likened Akon’s statements to the historical assertion that Mungo Park discovered the River Niger. He emphasized that while Akon played a significant role in promoting Nigerian artists globally, he did not originate Afrobeats.
Describing Akon’s comments as a “half-truth,” Cabasa pointed out,
“It’s like Mungo Park saying he discovered the River Niger and Benue — but he met people there fishing.”
He highlighted that the sound that captivated Akon and led to collaborations with artists like Wizkid and Banky W already existed before his involvement.
Akon had claimed credit for pioneering Afrobeats during interviews where he highlighted his contributions to the global success of the genre through strategic collaborations and business structures. Despite acknowledging Akon’s efforts in popularizing Afrobeats internationally, Cabasa maintained that the genre was flourishing before Akon’s intervention.
“Akon did not offend me — I had to respond to that. By the way, shout out to Akon. He is a guy that everybody should respect, but we need to be careful,”
said Cabasa.
Expressing concern over Western influence diluting Afrobeats’ cultural essence, Cabasa warned about losing identity in pursuit of international appeal. He noted a shift where Western music adopts Afrobeats elements while Nigerian artists veer towards R&B styles. This trend raises apprehensions about maintaining authenticity within the genre.
“I’m worried about the identity we’re losing… It’s scary. I almost think we’ve already lost part of it,”
expressed Cabasa regarding this evolution in sound and style within Afrobeats.
Cabasa also highlighted efforts by contemporary Nigerian artists who are reimagining classics as a means of preserving cultural heritage and reclaiming narratives hijacked by foreign influences. By sampling old Nigerian hits and reintroducing them to newer audiences, artists like Tems and Burna Boy are emphasizing storytelling and cultural continuity.
Reflecting on this revival of classic sounds within modern music production, Cabasa shared insights into preserving Nigeria’s musical legacy amidst industry complexities. His dedication to reimagining old tunes serves as a reminder for emerging talents not to lose sight of their roots amidst evolving trends.
In advocating for cultural preservation through sampling indigenous sounds, Cabasa underlined its significance in safeguarding Afrobeats’ rich history and ensuring its legacy endures for future generations:
“Sampling is cultural preservation…to ensure we don’t forget where it all started.”
As Nigerian musicians navigate changing landscapes in global music markets, discussions around authenticity versus commercial viability continue to shape artistic expressions within the vibrant tapestry of African music traditions.
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