Speaking on the "Rubbin' Minds" program on Sunday, Cabasa acknowledged the undeniable benefits of global recognition for Afrobeats. The diaspora effect, he conceded, has led to a positive exchange, with many young Nigerian producers honing their craft and elevating production quality. However, this progress, he fears, comes at a significant cost.
"There’s a good part to the diaspora effect. Many young Nigerian producers are learning new sounds and improving the quality of production," Cabasa stated. "But I’m worried about the identity we’re losing. The West is now sounding more like Afrobeats, while we’re sounding more like R&B. That’s the real concern. It’s scary. I almost think we’ve already lost part of it."
His apprehension stems from a perceived dilution of the authentic Afrobeats sound, as artists seemingly prioritize international appeal over the genre's foundational rhythms and cultural nuances. This shift, he suggests, could lead to a generic sound that sacrifices the very elements that made Afrobeats a global phenomenon in the first place.
Cabasa, a veteran in the Nigerian music industry known for his work with numerous successful artists, also emphasized the enduring importance of "classics" – the foundational songs that define the genre's essence. He stressed the need for young artists to remember their roots and resist the pressure to conform.
"That’s why I keep doing what I’m doing, reimagining classics, to remind this new generation of artistes not to lose themselves," he explained. "Don’t abandon who you are just to fit in."
His message serves as a timely reminder to emerging Afrobeats acts to strike a balance between innovation and preservation, ensuring that while the genre continues its global ascent, its core identity remains intact. The debate over Afrobeats' evolving sound is likely to continue as the genre navigates its unprecedented international success.