Nigerian singer Innocent “2Baba” Idibia has sparked online reactions after publicly introducing his new wife, Natasha Osawaru, an Edo State House of Assembly member, as his latest “African Queen.”
The announcement came during one of his ongoing UK tour performances, organised by Nero Experience and Nero Entertainment.
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In a viral video from the event, the 50-year-old music icon is seen pausing mid-performance to introduce Ms Osawaru to cheering fans.
“I want to introduce my African Queen to you all, and I want you guys to meet the love of my life. Honourable Natasha is in the building,” he said, before walking up to her and placing both hands on her shoulders.
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The declaration quickly went viral, marking the first time the singer has publicly referred to another woman as his “African Queen”, a title long associated with his estranged wife, actress Annie Macaulay.
African Queen
“African Queen,” one of 2Baba’s most celebrated hits, was released in 2004 as part of his debut solo album “Face 2 Face” under Kennis Music.
The timeless love song, which helped cement his legacy across Africa, featured Annie and actress Yvonne Jegede in its music video.
For nearly two decades, Annie was known publicly as 2Baba’s “African Queen”, a nickname he repeatedly used in interviews, performances, and even public tributes.
In January, months before news of their separation broke, the singer reaffirmed the label during a performance at the 65th anniversary and mega reunion of the Christ Apostolic Grammar School Old Students Association (CAGSOSA).
When fans at the show called out Annie’s name, 2Baba responded: “I see say some of una dey shout ‘Annie’ for that side. Annie dey house, she dey house. For here, we are searching.”
New African Queen
Before the UK performance, few anticipated the singer would publicly introduce a new “African Queen.”
The viral clip, recorded during his tour stop, shows 2Baba acknowledging Ms Osawaru as his wife, with fans cheering loudly as the couple embraced.
Ms Osawaru is a lawmaker in the Edo State House of Assembly.
The singer, who also serves as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, is scheduled to continue his UK tour with performances in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, Chelmsford, Bournemouth, Sheffield, and Cardiff.
Annie’s life update
Hours after 2Baba’s “African Queen” introduction went viral, Annie posted a series of personal updates about her life on Instagram.
The 40-year-old mother of two posted short videos and images with captions reflecting her current state of mind.
One of the clips showed her having breakfast alone, accompanied by a message: “I remember when I wanted what I currently have. I’m grateful.”
The model, actress, and presenter also posted a video of a group of men admiring someone’s beauty on their phone screens. Captioning the video, she wrote: “Thank you. See, I’m smiling as if I were the one they’re talking about.”
In another clip, Annie reposted a video of a woman saying that being in a relationship was not part of her current plan and praying for God to make her a billionaire.
She also posted a cryptic video message advising people to “check the foundation” of others before attempting to bring them down.
Many netizens interpreted Annie’s recent posts as subtle reactions to 2Baba’s public declaration of the lawmaker as his new “African Queen.”
Backstory
Annie’s latest posts came barely a month after she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing hope that her daughters would not endure the same experiences she did.
This newspaper reported that the actress, who shares two daughters with 2Baba, prayed that her children would recognise their worth early in life and always know that she would be in their corner no matter what.
She further expressed her wish that they grow up as women who understand that “the grass is greener wherever they stand.”
Her recent reflections came six months after she made her first public post following her separation from 2Baba.
In March, this newspaper reported that Annie returned to social media two months after 2Baba announced their split on his Instagram page.
The University of Lagos alumna re-emerged with a rebrand, deleting all her previous posts and dropping “Idibia” from her name.
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