Veteran Nigerian music producer, ID Cabasa, has credited Senegalese-American singer Akon for playing a pivotal role in shaping the business and branding side of Afrobeats on the global stage. In a recent interview, Cabasa argued that while Akon may not be the originator of the genre, his strategic moves and early collaborations helped spotlight the commercial potential of Afrobeats and positioned African music for global relevance.

ID Cabasa, known for nurturing the careers of several Nigerian music stars including Olamide and 9ice, emphasized that Akon’s contribution to Afrobeats transcended music. According to him, Akon introduced an entrepreneurial dimension that many African artists later embraced, effectively laying the groundwork for the genre’s international growth and appeal.

“Akon was one of the first African-born artists to look at Afrobeats not just as a sound, but as a brand and an industry,” Cabasa said. “He approached it with a business mindset, collaborating with artists on the continent and introducing them to international markets when very few people were paying attention to us.”

Akon’s Early Influence

Akon rose to global prominence in the mid-2000s with hits like Locked Up, Lonely, and Smack That. Though he was primarily known for his R&B and hip-hop influences, Akon never shied away from his African roots. As his global profile rose, he began turning attention to Africa — both in terms of investment and musical collaboration.

A notable example was Akon’s collaboration with Nigerian star Wizkid back in the early 2010s, before Wizkid’s mainstream success in the U.S. He also worked with other African acts like P-Square and Davido at a time when such international collaborations were rare.

“What Akon did was to show that African music could be sold globally — not just as a sound, but as a business,” ID Cabasa explained. “He was one of the first to sign African artists to international labels, put money behind them, and connect them with the right networks.”

Laying the Blueprint

Cabasa pointed out that today’s Afrobeats stars — including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage — are benefiting from a structure that was partly influenced by Akon’s early moves.

“Before the global labels came in, before the Billboard charts were paying attention, Akon was already doing the groundwork. He was talking about Africa, investing in Africa, and trying to build something that would last,” he said.

According to Cabasa, Akon’s efforts paved the way for the likes of Wizkid to sign with RCA Records, Burna Boy with Atlantic Records, and Davido with Sony Music. He added that the fusion of entrepreneurship, branding, and music that is now seen among African artists can trace some of its origins to Akon’s early model.

Beyond Music: The Akon Legacy

Akon has often made headlines for his philanthropic and business endeavors in Africa. From launching his ambitious “Akon Lighting Africa” project to announcing plans for a futuristic smart city in Senegal, Akon’s commitment to the continent has never been in doubt.

Cabasa noted that this all-around branding of Akon as not just a musician but also a business magnate and African ambassador is a model that many Nigerian and African artists are now emulating.

“Look at what Don Jazzy is doing with Mavin, what Mr Eazi is doing with emPawa, or even what Davido is doing with DMW. These guys are thinking beyond music — they’re building labels, platforms, and brands. Akon was doing that before it became the norm,” Cabasa asserted.

Recognition Long Overdue

While Akon is celebrated for his music globally, Cabasa believes he doesn’t get enough credit for the role he played in the development of Afrobeats as a global force. The producer lamented that history often overlooks those who help lay foundations, especially when they aren’t the ones topping charts or dominating headlines in the present.

“It’s easy to forget who started what when the fruits are now ripe,” Cabasa said. “But we must give Akon his flowers. He believed in Africa and Afrobeats before many others did. He saw the potential when it was just a dream.”

Afrobeats: The Present and Future

Today, Afrobeats is not just a genre; it’s a cultural movement. From sold-out arenas in London and New York to Grammy nominations and global brand endorsements, African artists are breaking barriers like never before. And behind this explosion, according to ID Cabasa, are pioneers like Akon who dared to dream earlier than most.

As the genre continues to evolve and attract global attention, Cabasa hopes the industry does not forget those who contributed to its rise. He also encouraged young artists and music entrepreneurs to study the journeys of those who came before — not just to learn music, but also to understand the business behind it.

“In this industry, your brand is just as important as your sound,” Cabasa concluded. “Akon taught us that. Now it’s up to the next generation to build on that legacy.”