Iconic Nigerian music producer, musician, and record label executive ID Cabasa has released a powerful new album titled 'Unfinished Business.' The project, which arrived on January 7, 2026, serves as both a historical document of his pivotal role in Afrobeats and a forward-looking statement that the genre must respect its roots to forge a strong future.
A Masterful Blend of Nostalgia and Modernity
Across thirteen meticulously crafted tracks, ID Cabasa demonstrates his expert A&R and curatorial vision. He assembles a stellar lineup of contemporary artists to offer fresh interpretations of ubiquitous Afrobeats classics. The album is not a simple remix project; it is a reimagination, where guest stars draw unique inspiration from the original works without copying them.
The album cleverly uses the foundational hits from Cabasa's legendary partnership with 9ice as its backbone. It kicks off with a street-hop revival of the early hit 'Bere Mi,' originally featuring 9ice and 2Phat, now reimagined by T.I Blaze and Zlatan. The project is filled with such thoughtful reunions and new connections, including a moment where his protégé Olamide teams up with singer Ayanfe for an Amapiano fusion that nods to Asake's influential sound.
Storytelling Through Song and Stellar Collaborations
ID Cabasa uses his vast catalog to narrate the evolution of Afrobeats and its socio-cultural commentary. The reimagining of 2Shot and 9ice's 'Make Them Talk,' now featuring Magnito, Zoro, and veteran Seriki, powerfully captures the persistent issues in the Nigerian nation, linking past and present struggles.
The album hits a blazing peak from tracks six to ten. A highlight is the exploration of 9ice's 'Anytime,' where Bella Shmurda delivers a veteran's verse, Ayo Maff channels a new generation's pain, and Ajebo Hustlers add vibrant street melodies. The experience culminates in the all-female rendition of 'Street Credibility,' where Dunnie, Lade, Darko, and Liya form a stunning girl band to honor the 9ice and 2Baba classic.
Pushing Boundaries and Spotlighting New Talent
True to his legacy, ID Cabasa uses the platform to push musical boundaries and elevate new voices. The track 'Eni Duro,' which first launched Olamide to mainstream success, is reborn with a thumping Drill beat and verses from rappers Kabex, Jaido P, Candy Bleakz, and Islambo. Similarly, Joeboy and Fireboy DML, alongside BOJ and Odumodublvck, transform Styl-Plus's 'Olufunmi' with infectious melodies and fresh perspectives.
Cabasa's support for emerging talent continues with features for rising stars Genie and Jaya on the reimagining of Faze's 'Kpo Kpo Di Kpo,' and on 'Opumelero' with rappers TROD, Kheengz, and Spydermanne.
A Timely Reminder for the Afrobeats Ecosystem
'Unfinished Business' arrives at a moment when many Afrobeats stars are mining the genre's rich history for inspiration, following trends set by Ayra Starr, Darkoo, Tems, Davido, and Omah Lay. The album is a polished, easily digestible project that successfully balances nostalgia with contemporary sounds.
Ultimately, this project is ID Cabasa's way of documenting his key contributions. It stands as a potent reminder that for Afrobeats to shape an ambitious future, its ecosystem must first appreciate and cherish its past. The album earned a Pulse Rating of 7.5 out of 10, scoring highly in sequencing, production, enjoyability, and execution.
