Nigerian music executive Olumide Ogunade, widely known as ID Cabasa, has challenged the long-held assumption that wisdom is an automatic byproduct of aging. Speaking on The Clarity Zone podcast, Cabasa argued that wisdom should be assessed through competence rather than accumulated years or experience alone.
Cabasa, 50, clarified that his perspective does not dismiss the intelligence of older generations. Instead, he contended that many individuals mistakenly equate extensive experience with inherent wisdom. “The assumption that the older you get, the wiser you are is an assumption that has never been true,” he stated. “But most times, people see themselves as wiser because they are more experienced, not competent. But most of the experiences that you are bringing, a lot of them are obsolete.”
His central premise distinguishes between mere aging and genuine growth. “If you are growing as a person, there is a tendency that as you get older, you are going to be wiser,” Cabasa said. “But that isn’t the case if you are not growing but just aging.”
He illustrated his point with a generational technology example, noting that older individuals who did not grow up with computers may lack the relevant competence to advise on digital matters, despite their age and other experiences. “We are dealing with a generation that came with computer OS but you learned how to use a computer,” he explained, urging caution against demanding respect solely based on age.
ID Cabasa is a veteran figure in Nigeria’s music industry, known for producing and mentoring artists. His comments on the podcast, which discusses personal and professional development, highlight a broader societal conversation about intergenerational dynamics and the valuation of knowledge.
The remarks underscore a shifting paradigm where applied skill and adaptability are increasingly prioritized over tenure. By advocating for a competence-based measure of wisdom, Cabasa’s perspective invites a reevaluation of how respect and authority are awarded in both professional and social contexts, emphasizing continuous learning as a lifelong prerequisite for true insight.
