2Face Idibia Says ‘African Queen’ Brought Him Fame and Problems

Legendary Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, has opened up about how his timeless hit song, African Queen, brought him both fame and challenges in his music career.

Speaking on the Entertainment & Lifestyle Show, which began trending on Sunday, the Afrobeats icon described the 2004 classic as “a huge blessing” that also came with its share of burdens.

“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,” 2Face said.

Reflecting on his journey, the multiple award-winning artiste noted that while African Queen remains his most iconic track, he has created many other songs that fans deeply connect with.

“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, African Queen catapulted 2Face to international fame and solidified his place as one of Africa’s greatest music exports.

The song earned him several global honours, including BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO awards — making him the first African artiste to win all three.

However, the song’s success has long been shadowed by controversy, particularly claims by his former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, known as Blackface, who has repeatedly accused 2Face of stealing the song.

2Face has consistently refuted the allegations, insisting that African Queen was a collaborative effort during their band days and not an act of plagiarism.

The debate resurfaced in August 2025 after Billboard named African Queen the “Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time.”