Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, has described his iconic hit song “African Queen” as both a blessing and a burden in his decades-long career.
Speaking on the Entertainment & Lifestyle show, which started trending on Sunday, the veteran artiste said the 2004 classic gave his career its defining spark, despite bringing several challenges over the years.
“That song has been a very huge blessing and e don turn to problem join for me, you know, but like I said earlier, I’m grateful for everything,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, 2Face emphasized that while “African Queen” remains his most iconic track, he has many other songs that resonate deeply with fans.
“There are so many other songs I have that are brilliant, and many people resonate with them too,” he added.
Released in 2004 as part of his debut solo album Face 2 Face, the track catapulted 2Face to international fame and cemented his status as one of Africa’s biggest music exports. The song earned him multiple awards, including BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO honors, making him the first African artist to win all three.
However, the song’s legacy has been clouded by controversy, with his former Plantashun Boiz bandmate Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo (Blackface) repeatedly accusing him of stealing the track. 2Face has consistently denied the claims, explaining that “African Queen” was a collaborative effort during their band days.
The debate resurfaced in August 2025, after Billboard named “African Queen” the Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time, reigniting discussions about the song’s origins and enduring impact.
