Innocent “2Baba” Idibia turns 50 with a life written in music. From a restless teenager in Jos to a global Afrobeats figure, he has built a career that spans generations.
The boy who once had no idea where destiny would take him is now 50 years old, celebrated not just as an entertainer but as Afrobeats’ elder statesman.
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2Baba, also known as 2Face, remains a living testament to talent, reinvention and cultural impact in the music industry.
From his early days with Plantashun Boiz, alongside Faze and Blackface, to his global breakthrough with “African Queen”, the Benue-born has shaped Afrobeats and cemented his place as one of its most respected legends.
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For over thirty years, 2Baba has connected generations, helping shape Afrobeats when it was still fighting for global attention and staying influential alongside today’s stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Kizz Daniel, Chike, and more.
Decades later, 2Baba, a Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, continues to stay relevant in music, even as some of his peers have retired, switched professions or passed on.
In this article, PREMIUM TIMES highlights his hit songs across all decades, both as a solo artist and as a member of Plantashun Boiz.
First decade: 1990s—2004
2Baba started his music career in the late 1990s with Faze and Blackface, who were members of the group Plantashun Boiz. They formed the group while studying at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu State.
The hip-hop and R&B group later moved to Lagos, where they became popular. A chance meeting with Tony Tetuila, a former member of The Remedies, gave them more recognition and led to the release of their debut album “Body and Soul” in 2000.
Together, they gained fame with hit songs and albums such as “You and I”, “Knock Me Off”, “Body and Soul”, “Don’t You Know”, Ememma”, “Plan B” and “Sold Out.”
In 2004, the group split as each member pursued a solo career. Despite the breakup, their songs remained successful, and many Nigerians still hoped for a reunion.
Second decade: 2004—2014
After leaving Plantashun Boiz, 2Baba started his solo career in 2004 with the album “Face 2 Face.” The album received strong reviews and was later regarded as a solo artist’s best Nigerian debut album of the 21st century.
It earned this recognition not only for being groundbreaking but also for its hit songs such as “African Queen”, “Nfana Ibaga (No Problem)” and “Odi Ya.”
“African Queen” became an international hit, praised as a tribute to African women. It gained worldwide attention and was even used in the soundtrack of the American film “Phat Girlz.”
In 2006, 2Baba released “Grass 2 Grace, ” confirming his place as a music star. The album produced several hits, including “See Me So”, “One Love”, “For Instance”, and “True Love.”
He followed this up in 2008 with “The Unstoppable”, where he experimented with new sounds. The album was re-released in 2010 as “The Unstoppable International Edition”, a revamped version that widened his international appeal.
Notable songs from the album include “Implication”, “Only Me”, and “Enter the Place.”
In 2012, he released “Away and Beyond,” again showing his versatility and growth as an artist. The album featured popular tracks such as “Ihe Neme” and “Rainbow.”
Third decade: 2014—2024
When we called him Afrobeats’ elder statesman, it was not just a figure of speech. His versatility, determination, and lasting relevance earned him that title.
2Baba proved he was more than a singer of one or two decades when he released “The Ascension” in 2014, a highly anticipated album featuring international collaborations.
The album featured collaborations with Machel Montano, Vector, Bridget Kelly, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Shurwayne Winchester and Fally Ipupa.
Popular tracks included “Let Somebody Love You” and “Go.”
He reinforced his legacy again in 2015 with “Rewind, Select, Update”, an album with a reflective and modern sound that received positive reviews.
Songs like “If Love Is a Crime”, “True Love”, and “Thank You Lord” stood out.
In 2020, he dropped “Warriors”, his most recent studio album, which featured collaborations with some of Nigeria’s biggest stars.
Popular tracks included “Opo” featuring Wizkid, “Amaka” featuring Peruzzi, and “We Must Groove” featuring Burna Boy.
Beyond releasing hit songs and albums, 2Baba also earned many awards. These included the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act (2005), the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa (2011), the MTV Africa Music Award for Artist of the Year (2010), and the World Music Award for World’s Best-Selling Nigerian Artist (2008).
He also received the City People Music Industry Giant Award (2017), the MTV Africa Music Award for Best R&B (2009), the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Male (2010), the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Afrobeat Artist of the Year (2015), the Headies Award for Best Reggae/Dancehall Single (2018), and the Headies Hall of Fame Award (2016), among others.
Appreciation
Marking his 50th birthday, the singer posted on Instagram that his musical journey had been amazing.
He added that he did not take it for granted and thanked God for the gift of life and the grace to celebrate his golden jubilee and 25 years in the music industry.
He said: “Many who started this path with me are no longer here, and I honour their memories as I celebrate this moment. I stand today as 2Baba because of so many people’s love, prayers, and support.
To my dear mother, my beautiful children, my wife, the mothers of my children, my siblings, and my entire family, you are my backbone. To my management over the years, my colleagues, the media, promoters, DJs, OAPs, industry players, captains of industry, government institutions, NGOs, Telecoms, Corporate bodies, Financial institutions, and every single person who has supported me in one way or another.
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“I say a heartfelt thank you. Without you, this story would not be complete. This milestone is not mine alone: it belongs to everyone who has walked this journey together. My African queens and kings, you have carried me, inspired me, and kept me going through the highs and lows. While I have so much more to say, I will reserve my deepest words and celebrations for the day we gather.
“This year’s celebration has been postponed, not cancelled, because I want to do it differently, to merge my 50th birthday and 25 years in the industry into one unforgettable experience. It will be a time to share stories, give thanks, and celebrate the power of music and love. Until then, keep the fire burning. The best is yet to come.”
