The global takeover of Afrobeats has left the world vibing, dancing, and searching for who to crown as the genre’s true originator. But here’s the hard truth—Afrobeats wasn’t created by one person. It was born from the streets of Lagos, the clubs of Accra, and the fiery ambition of African youths who blended tradition with innovation.
Despite the ongoing confusion between Afrobeat (Fela Kuti’s 1970s politically-charged sound) and Afrobeats (the genre dominating global charts today), insiders and pioneers agree: Afrobeats is a movement, not a man.
Akon Sparks Fire: “I Helped Create Afrobeats”
Akon, the Senegalese-American superstar, who recently reignited debate by claiming in an interview with Sherri Shepherd that he was pivotal in the birth of Afrobeats.
According to Akon, his collaborations with Nigerian acts like P-Square, Wizkid, and D’banj in the late 2000s and early 2010s were central to the genre’s rise.
But many in the Nigerian music industry aren’t having it.
ID Cabasa Fires Back: “Na Culture, No Be One Person Create Am”
Veteran producer and industry heavyweight ID Cabasa didn’t mince words when asked about Akon’s comments during an interview on Wazobia FM.
“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 declared.
He added that Akon might have played a role in global distribution and branding, but that doesn’t equate to creating the sound.
“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,” he said.
Reality Check: Afrobeats Was Already Popping Before Akon
Cabasa also reminded fans that before Akon linked up with P-Square and Wizkid, Nigerian acts like 2Face, 9ice, and Timaya were already topping charts, selling out shows, and dominating African airwaves.
In short: Afrobeats wasn’t waiting for Akon’s stamp of approval—it was already alive and thriving.
What Really Is Afrobeats?
Afrobeats (with an s) is a vibrant fusion of African highlife, hip hop, dancehall, funk, and pop. It emerged in the early 2000s, mostly out of Nigeria and Ghana, and evolved from local creativity rather than external invention.
The genre is defined by rhythmic drums, catchy hooks, and a blend of English, Pidgin, and local dialects. It’s more than just music—it’s an attitude, a fashion, a movement. From Wizkid’s chill flow, to Burna Boy’s afro-fusion, to Asake’s fuji-inspired street vibes, Afrobeats is ever-evolving and deeply African.
Why Akon’s Statement Stings
At the heart of the controversy is an old story: global artists trying to rewrite African history. Akon’s claim rubbed many the wrong way, especially as the Afrobeats movement continues to fight for ownership and recognition on the global stage.
ID Cabasa summed it up best: “Afrobeats is not a sound one man created. It is a culture that has evolved through time and passion.”
The Takeaway
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Yes, Akon helped amplify Afrobeats globally—but he didn’t invent it. The genre belongs to the people who lived it, created it, and hustled for it long before the world tuned in.
So next time you hear that beat drop, remember: Afrobeats is African, through and through. No cap.
