Nigerian music veteran 2Baba has marked his 51st birthday with the release of a brand-new single, ‘Mental,’ featuring fast-rising songstress FAVE.
The new record arrived as part of the celebrations surrounding the legendary singer’s milestone, with his manager and partner, Mallam Yankee, revealing that the release was planned to give fans another reason to celebrate with the music icon.
The birthday festivities continued with a listening party and the launch of 2Baba Jollof in Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.
Produced by Dee Yasso, ‘Mental’ brings together 2Baba’s familiar Afro-pop sound and FAVE’s softer, emotionally expressive delivery. The result is a cross-generational collaboration that sees both singers explore the overwhelming side of love and deep emotions.
Love has remained a recurring theme throughout 2Baba’s lengthy career, from his days with Plantashun Boiz to his evolution into one of Nigeria’s most enduring solo artistes.
FAVE, meanwhile, adds a younger perspective to the record. Since breaking out with ‘Baby Riddim’ in 2021, the singer has built a reputation for intimate songwriting and an emotionally driven vocal style. Her lighter delivery creates an interesting contrast with 2Baba’s deeper, more seasoned approach.
‘Mental’ also represents 2Baba’s first release of 2026, following his earlier single ‘Celebrate,’ and arrives as an early introduction to his next major body of work.
The song is expected to feature on Oldest Young Man, 2Baba’s forthcoming studio album and his first full-length project in six years.
With ‘African Queen’ recently earning recognition on Billboard’s list of the greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, the timing of ‘Mental’ adds another layer to an already significant period in 2Baba’s career as he prepares to enter his next album era.
Listen to “Mental” HERE