By Wealth Oghenemaro
Nigerian music icon, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has shared fresh insights into the mixed emotions surrounding his timeless hit, African Queen.
Appearing on the Entertainment & Lifestyle show, the legendary singer described the 2004 classic as both a “blessing and a burden,” reflecting on how the song has shaped — and at times complicated — his decades-long career.
“That song has been a huge blessing, but e don turn to problem join for me,” he said with a laugh. “But like I said earlier, I’m grateful for everything.”
Released nearly two decades ago, African Queen propelled 2Baba to global stardom, earning him international acclaim and several awards while solidifying his place as one of Africa’s most celebrated music exports.
However, the hit has not been without controversy. His former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Blackface, has repeatedly accused him of stealing the song — an allegation 2Baba has continually denied, maintaining that it was a collaborative creation during their group days.
Despite the long-standing dispute, 2Baba said he remains thankful for the song’s lasting impact, adding that African Queen represents only one chapter of his musical legacy.
“There are so many other songs I’ve made that are brilliant, and people connect deeply with them too,” he noted.
The evergreen track recently reclaimed the spotlight when Billboard named it the “Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time.”
