Renowned Nigerian music producer and executive, ID Cabasa, has countered claims by Senegalese-American artist Akon, who recently suggested he played a foundational role in the rise of Afrobeats.

In a recent interview, Akon had stated that his collaborations and business engagements with Nigerian musicians and industry stakeholders in the late 2000s and early 2010s were instrumental in shaping the Afrobeats genre as it is known today.

Responding in a chat with Wazobia FM — shared on YouTube on Saturday — ID Cabasa said Akon’s involvement in the Nigerian music scene during that era did not equate to creating the genre.

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While he acknowledged Akon’s contributions, Cabasa stressed that Afrobeats had already begun gaining traction before the American star’s arrival, citing the success of artists like 2Face Idibia, 9ice, and Timaya as evidence.

He also dismissed Akon’s claim of discovering Wizkid, clarifying that it was Banky W who first signed the singer to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), before a later collaboration with Akon’s label emerged for distribution purposes.

Speaking in Pidgin, ID 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 wettin wey one person create, na culture.”

Cabasa’s remarks have sparked renewed conversations around Afrobeats’ evolution, with many Nigerians emphasizing that the genre is a product of collective cultural efforts spanning decades.

2Baba Breaks Silence Amid Criticism Over Personal Life, Questions Public Obsession 

Veteran Nigerian singer 2Baba has addressed ongoing criticism surrounding his personal life, especially following his separation from his wife and his current relationship with a new partner.

In a video shared on his social media account on Saturday, the music icon expressed confusion over the continued public intrusion into his affairs, despite his efforts to stay low-key and avoid controversy.

Watch him speak below…