2baba is the only worthy artist that deserves a statue carved or beautifully mould in a pivot as an artistic honour for his longevity in the Nigerian music industry.
However, 2Baba is simply a course when analysing the history of the new era in the Nigerian music industry.
When 2Baba launched into the Nigerian music scene in the 90s, read again, I said 90s, he was the chosen one, his story complemented in his craft so well, the story surrounding an artist also contribute to the legendary capabilities.
He stylishly kicked off this new era, new generation, revisiting insightfully, we had others at the peak during this times, they impacted hugely to the culture, the playmakers behind the scene too, all contributed immensely to the growth of the movement.
Editorial Focus
2Baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, has not only conquered with his music, but he has also set a new record that generations yet to come may find difficult to surpass, this is beyond musical statistics, is a natural phenomenon.
Hence, it is safe to say that African Queen is the first most continental successful solo song in Nigeria of the new era and beyond if need be.
Over the years, the ‘African Queen’ crooner has exhibited a steadfast passion for reinventing the wheel and the strength of creativity that has come to define the genius that he is, it means that over 2 decades, 2Baba has been consistent in dropping hit songs on reference pace.
As a member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, who alongside groups like The Remedies, (major pioneering Nigerian hip-hop music group. It consisted of Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila and Eddy Remedy) kick-started the Afro hip hop revolution of the late 90s that gave birth to what is today known as the Nigerian contemporary sound.
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2Baba gave every artist after him hope, he was the light of the industry, the most consistent at the beginning of the new era are Dbanj, P-Square, three of them was at the pivot in the very beginning.
Insight
From the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria to the centre of the industry, 2Baba has the most famous background story in the music industry, I mean the grass to grace kind of story that also play important role in street credibility.
He has remained a constant and formidable force as a middle belt star in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Ageing a life of excellence, the songwriter and composer have perfectly inspired many young Nigerians with his inspirational music, came around when music was all about substance and not just vibe snd 80% sound.
Popularly known for his smash hit track, “ African Queen”, a song in praise of the African woman which he released in the early 2000s, under Kenny Ogungbe’s Kennis Music Label, the majority of Nigerians had knowledge of record via Kenny Ogungbe’s Kennis Music Label.
That’s why 2Baba deserved all the accolades that have trailed his career in music in the past 18 years.
Releasing “African Queen”, was the highlight of his career, the song did not only elevate the status of the superstar but also, went on to earn him the recognition of being one of the most iconic African musicians of all time.
Apart from being used in the soundtrack for the film “Phat Girlz”, which was released internationally, the song later became a somewhat national anthem.
And 2Baba would forever acknowledge the huge mileage and international acclamation the song brought to him.
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Interestingly, the love of his life turned out to become his African Queen, Annie Idibia, who was in the music video.
Indeed, while his music clearly stands the test of time, 2Baba has continued to defy odds as one of the greatest artists of this generation.
Also, even when his contemporaries have fallen by the wayside, the superstar has remained to stand, dishing out evergreen songs consistently, this is not in doubt but I wouldn’t want to go further in this area.
Prospective
In 2017, 2baba as he’s popularly called now also unlocked one of his previous year’s biggest hits, “Gaaga Shuffle” which instantly became a fans’ favourite.
His other hit songs such as Dance in the Rain, “Only Me, True Love, The Ascension, and etc. 2Baba is one the all-time artist with large discography.
The Unstoppable”, his third album, released in 2008 and featured RnB king, R Kelly was repackaged in 2010 and made waves in the international scene.
He went on to release his fifth album, Away and Beyond, which he dropped in 2012, with songs like ‘Spiritual Healing’ and ‘Rainbow’, becoming club banger tracks.
He has done numerous collaborations with both old and young artists. At a time he signed veteran highlife maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo to his Hypertek Imprint.