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Afrobeats or R&B? ID Cabasa Warns Nigerian Artists About Losing Cultural Identity
Veteran Nigerian music producer Olumide Ogunlade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, has expressed deep concern over the evolving sound of Afrobeats. He warned that the genre is increasingly resembling R&B, potentially diluting its distinct cultural identity.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds, Cabasa acknowledged the positive aspects of Afrobeats gaining international recognition but cautioned against the trend of Nigerian artists adopting foreign styles and residing abroad, which he believes may lead to a loss of the genre’s authentic essence.
To counter this shift, Cabasa has embarked on reimagining classic Afrobeats hits, such as Styl-Plus’s “Olufunmi” and 9ice’s “Photocopy,” aiming to reconnect contemporary artists with the genre’s roots. He credited rapper Olamide as the inspiration behind his decision to reimagine classic Afrobeats songs.
He said, “It all started from a conversation with Olamide. We were talking about how people abroad are trying to hijack the Afrobeats narrative, saying they named it, shaped it. That’s when Olamide said, ‘Maybe we should bring back the sounds that shaped this thing.’ That idea resonated with me, and I created an entire body of work around it.”
Cabasa’s efforts align with a broader movement within the Nigerian music industry to preserve and celebrate the unique sound of Afrobeats amidst global influences.
As Afrobeats continues to rise in global prominence, the challenge remains: how can Nigerian artists innovate while staying true to the genre’s cultural origins? Cabasa’s warning serves as a timely reminder for artists to balance international appeal with the preservation of their musical heritage.
