Veteran producer and music executive Id Cabasa has challenged the notion that Christian artists should avoid the secular music market because it is “ungodly.” In a recent post on his X account, Cabasa called the claim a “lie” designed to discourage believers from working in mainstream music.
Cabasa, who runs the Coded Tunes label, said the belief that the secular industry belongs to the devil is a misconception. “The devil owns sin and carnality, yes,” he wrote, “but the earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof.” He added that while evil exists in the world, “there is a shortage of light, which is why evil prevails,” urging Christian creatives to bring that light into the secular arena.
The producer’s statements come amid ongoing debate within Christian communities about the appropriateness of engaging with popular culture. Some churches and faith‑based groups have warned that participation in non‑religious music can compromise spiritual integrity, while others argue that believers can influence broader audiences positively.
Cabasa’s remarks are aimed at countering these warnings, emphasizing that “their evil cannot trump your light.” He encouraged artists who identify as Christian to pursue opportunities in mainstream music, suggesting that their presence can serve as a counterbalance to negative influences.
Industry observers note that the issue reflects a wider tension between faith and commerce in the entertainment sector. The African music scene, particularly in Nigeria, has seen a rise in artists who blend gospel themes with commercial sounds, blurring the line between sacred and secular markets.
Cabasa’s call to action may inspire more Christian musicians to explore collaborations, record contracts, and performances that fall outside explicitly religious venues. By framing the secular industry as a platform rather than a spiritual battlefield, he positions Christian creatives as agents of positive change.
The discussion is likely to continue as more artists navigate the complexities of faith, artistic expression, and market demands. Cabasa’s message underscores a broader trend of encouraging believers to engage, rather than retreat, from mainstream cultural spaces.
