2Baba Opens Up: ‘African Queen’ Made Me a Star, But It’s Also brought me problems

By Lazarus Masaba

Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has shared the complicated story behind his timeless hit African Queen, describing it as both a blessing and a challenge. On a recent Entertainment & Lifestyle show, the Afrobeats icon reflected on how the 2004 classic turned him into a global star while also generating years of controversy.

“That song has been a very huge blessing, but it also became a problem for me in some ways… still, I’m grateful for everything,” 2Baba said.

Released more than 20 years ago, African Queen remains one of Africa’s most celebrated songs, earning 2Baba international acclaim and awards from BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO. Behind the success, however, lies a long-standing dispute with former Plantashun Boiz member Blackface Naija, who continues to claim full ownership of the song’s writing credit.

Despite the controversy, 2Baba reminded fans that his career extends beyond that one hit. “I’ve made so many other songs that people connect to just as deeply,” he said.

Now 50, 2Baba remains a key figure in African music and continues to advocate for peace and youth development through the 2Baba Foundation. As African Queen celebrates more than two decades of influence, 2Baba’s reflections reveal the hidden challenges behind creating a song that has touched millions and shaped the course of African music.