2Baba

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2Baba
see caption
2face at the album release party for his sixth studio album, The Ascension in 2014.
Background information
Birth nameInnocent Ujah Idibia
Also known as
  • Lord Elly
  • 2Baba
  • Tubaba
  • 2Face
  • Tuface
  • 2Face Idibia
  • Tuface Idibia
Born (1975-09-18) 18 September 1975 (age 48)
Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • entrepreneur
Years active1994–present
Labels
Formerly ofPlantashun Boyz
Spouse(s)
(m. 2012)

Innocent Ujah Idibia MON[a] (Listen; born 18 September 1975), known by his stage name 2Baba is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, record producer and philanthropist known for his solo debut album, Face2Face.[2][b] He is regarded as the "most influential", following his contributions to Nigerian pop music in the 2000s.[3]

Prior to July 2014, he went by the stage name 2face Idibia.[4][5][6][7] 2Baba was the first winner of the MTV EMA Best African Act category in 2005 and is one of the most awarded Nigerian musicians in history.[8]

In 2019, 2Baba, in collaboration with other well-known artiste like Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo, released a song to raise awareness of the rights of children.[9]

Life[edit]

Youth and background: education[edit]

2Baba was born on 18 September, 1975 in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He is a native of Idoma, an ethnic group in Benue State, a state in central Nigeria. He started schooling in Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School, Makurdi. After his education, he moved to Enugu State, where he began studying Business Administration in the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (IMT). While attending IMT, Idibia began his music career and was called Lord Elly since he performs in the University, and subsequently closer ones, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu State University of Science and Technology. 2Baba eventually dropped out of school in quest to "pursue his music career". By 1996, He has learnt and started music composing and singing jingles, especially at the GB Fan Club at Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS).

In 1996, he adopted "2Face" (literally coined from "two face") as his stage name saying he was "trying to demarcate his personal life from business life". Again in 2016, he officially changed his name from 2face to "2Baba".[10]

Music career: Plantashun Boiz[edit]

When 2Baba was studying at Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, he began performing alongside Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo (also called Blackface Naija), a Nigerian Benue-born fellow musician whom he had met during his secondary school education.[11] 2Baba went on with Blackface and Chibuzor Orji (monomously called Faze) to form the trio band called Plantashun Boiz.

The band released two successful albums Body and Soul (2000) and Sold Out (2003) under Dove Records, a label owned by Nelson Brown.[12] The group was separated in 2004, and the members went on with their solo career. Afterwards, the band was rejoined and revived in 2007 and recorded the third and final album entitled Plan B (2007).

BlackFace, alleged 2Baba's performed song were written by both of them, although thr issue was later resolved amicably in the court of law.[13]

Solo career[edit]

After the disbandment of trio band group in 2004, all the members sought for separate musical careers. 2Baba first released his debut solo album Face 2 Face (2004). The album was listed as the greatest Nigerian debut album of the 21st Century by a solo artist.[14] The album received positive reviews and spurned hits like "Nfana Ibaga", "Ole", and "African Queen" (which served as the soundtrack to the 2006 Hollywood movie Phat Girlz).

see caption
Abstract painting Star studded of Idibia showcased at a Visual Collaborative pop-up exhibition themed ENCORE in December 2013

Continuing his career, 2Baba released his second album Grass 2 Grace (2006), and an experimental album The Unstoppable (2009). In 2010, he released an album of the same title The Unstoppable International Edition making him the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced an international album.[15] 2face released two more singles from the international version of his The Unstoppable album. The international edition of the album won two awards at the 2010 SoundCity Music Video Awards.[16] 2Baba also won the Channel O Music Video Awards,Best African Western award and the MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Male and Artist of the year.[17]

Upon leaving the music label "Kennis Music" after the release of his second solo album, he set up his own record label known as Hypertek Digital.[18] He is part of the Sony All African One8 Project alongside seven other musicians across Africa recording a single with R. Kelly and Prince Lee titled "Hands Across the World".[19]

Endorsement deal[edit]

In August 2016,2Baba, became the first African ambassador of Italian alcoholic liqueur Campari,[20][21] and was also named as an ambassador of Guinness beer in 2005.[22] He is also the brand ambassador for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.[23] In 2010, 2Baba signed an endorsement deal with Airtel Nigeria.[24] When his contract with Airtel expired, he signed a new endorsement deal with Globacom Telecommunication in May 2019.[25] 2Baba was made the brand ambassador of Pazino Homes and Gardens, a real estate firm, in July 2019.[26] Tuface alongside Wizkid was chosen as the face of Hennessy artistry season in 2014.[27] In 2019, 2Baba became the first and official brand ambassador for Oraimo.[28]

He signed an endorsement deal with real estate brand, pazino homes and garden and serve as their brand ambassador.[29]

Legacy[edit]

The FORTYfied All-Star Tribute Concert, stylised as #FORTYfied, was an all-star tribute concert organised by 2Baba to celebrate his 40th birthday and influence in the music of Nigeria.[30] It was hosted by Basketmouth, the STAR Lager Beer-sponsored concert was held on 20 September, 2015 at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre.[31] The concert was reportedly graced by Wizkid, Burna Boy, Timaya, D'banj, Sound Sultan, Patoranking, Vector tha Viper, Wande Coal, and Seyi Shay.[32]

He is also the owner of the "Buckwyld and Breathless concert".[33] and was inducted into the "The Headies Hall of Fame Award" in 2015.[34] He was also awarded the 'Afrima Legend Award' in 2019.[35]In 2022, he was inducted into the 'Music Legends Hall of fame' in Ghana.[36]

Philanthropy[edit]

Guinness World Record for "Longest Dance Party" Kaffy and multiple award-winning singer 2baba with the executive producer of My Funky Birthday TV Nig and PadMan Initiative crooner at a reunion to work with this superstar on a charity project.

2Baba has established an NGO called the 2Baba Foundation[37] whose motto is "service to humanity". Formerly known as the 2Face Reach Out Foundation, and eventually the 2Face Foundation, the foundation underwent a name change in September 2016 and is now known as the 2Baba Foundation.

In 2009, 2Baba was appointed as ambassador by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).[38] He released the song "Man Unkind" to raise awareness of the menace of fake and sub-standard food and drug products in Nigeria. In 2009, Idibia was presented with the prestigious International Youth Ambassador for Peace Summit and the Nigeria Youth Merit Award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to youth development in Nigeria.

In January 2017, 2Baba announced a partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He made an initial donation of over US$11,000 to UNHCR for IDPs and returnees.[39] In June 2017, he released a dedicated IDP-awareness song titled Hold My Hand to mark World Refugee Day, and promised 60 percent of the proceeds from the song to the IDP cause. He has also collaborated with other NGOs like The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Enough is Enough (EiE)(Office of the Citizen campaign), Youngstars Foundation and National Democratic Institute (for Vote Not Fight campaign).[40]

2baba inaugurated a[41] multi-million Naira music studio and donated it to the Obafemi Awolowo University.

On 23 June 2020, Idibia was appointed as the new Regional Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR).[42] He was the first Nigerian to receive this kind of appointment from UNHCR.[43]

Personal life[edit]

2Baba is married to Nigerian actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia since 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria.[44][45] A civil ceremony was held in Dubai on 23 March 2013 and has seven children.[46]

Controversies[edit]

In 2004, Tuface's exit from the band "Plantashun Boiz" led to the split of the group, instigating a feud with his former bandmates who blamed him for the disbandment.[47] Tuface and former bandmate Faze traded blame in various tracks in their respective solo albums.

The hit song "African Queen" became a subject of controversy between Tuface, his record label Kennis Music, and former bandmate Blackface, who publicly accused Tuface of stealing the song from him; alleging that he wrote the song while they were still a band.[48][49] Kennis Music eventually agreed to give Blackface writing credits for the song and also agreed to pay him royalties from the proceeds of the song.[50]

On 25 January 2017, Tuface announced through his Instagram handle that he would be leading a nationwide protest on 5 February 2017; the protest was against policies implemented by the "Muhammadu Buhari" administration.[51][52][53] In a way to stop the protest, the administration through the Lagos State police commissioner Fatai Owoseni, released a statement that the protest was banned in the state, stating that hoodlums would hijack it and use the protest to cause havoc, the statement was rebuffed and ignored publicly why publicity of the protest continued on social media.[54][55]

In February 2017, Tuface released a video that he was canceling the protest due to security reasons but rumors circulated on social media have it that the administration, through the DSS, picked him up earlier that day and pressured him to cancel the much-hyped protest, though he later made a series of tweets from his official Twitter account to deny the claim.[56][57][58]

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

Awards[edit]

2Baba has received one "MTV Europe Music Award",[61] one World Music Award, five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Video Awards and one "BET award" for his musical work, four MTV Africa Music Awards, one MOBO award, one KORA award, 3 Afrima Awards,[62] and numerous additional nominations.

In May 2016, 2Baba received an honorary Master of Arts in Music degree from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.[63][64]

In March 2019, he was awarded an honorary fellow of the school of music by the Music Department, Obafemi Awolowo University. This made him the pioneer recipient of the award which was presented to him at the first public lecture and fellowship award, held on 20 March 2019.[65]

In August 2019, 2Baba was appointed as the good cause Ambassador for the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).[66]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Idibia alongside other Nigerian musicians including Burna boy was conferred the MON award by President Muhammadu Buhari.[1]
  2. ^ The album was received on hit with one of its content "African Queen", which ushered a wave of awareness and reverence for Nigerian music among Africans and diaspora

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ "Nigerian Music Stars Reign as Burna Boy, Teni, 2Face, Others Gets National Honour By President Buhari". The Comment Newspaper. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  2. ^ "2Face donates N3.5 million to help persons displaced by Boko Haram". Premium Times. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  3. ^ Ohunyon, Ehis (16 May 2018). "14 years after, 'Face 2 Face' is still a gem of an album". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  4. ^ Njoku, Benjamin (27 July 2014). "2face changes name to 'Tu-baba'". Vanguard. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  5. ^ "Know Your Naija: 10 Nigerian Stars To Watch". MTV Iggy.
  6. ^ "Is 2baba the greatest Nigerian artist ever?". 16 July 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  7. ^ "#20YearsAKing: 2Baba Celebrates Two Decades of Dominance". 21 February 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  8. ^ "10 things to know about 2face as he turns 42 | Premium Times Nigeria". 18 September 2017.
  9. ^ "Tubaba Archives". Vanguard News. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  10. ^ "2face 'officially' changes name to 2baba". Music in Africa. 14 January 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  11. ^ "Here's both sides of the story as Blackface says 2baba is suing him for N50M". pulse.ng. Pulse NG. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  12. ^ "2face Idibia working with Nelson Brown on upcoming album". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  13. ^ "Theft Claim: Blackface Apolgises To 2Baba, Settles Out Of Court". Channels TV. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  14. ^ Alake, Motolani (17 March 2020). "Here are the top 10 Nigerian debut albums of the past 20 years". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  15. ^ "TuFace Checks Piracy With Classy Album Price". tribune.com.ng. Archived from the original on 22 March 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  16. ^ "Soundcity Music Video Awards 2010 – The Winner's Circle". thenetng.com. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  17. ^ "Fally Ipupa & Tuface Idibia lead MTV Africa Music Awards winners 2010". museke.com. 12 December 2010. Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  18. ^ "Tuface Idibia opens up on why he left Kennis music". Nigerianewsdaily.com. 28 October 2011. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  19. ^ "Hands Across The World Video – ONE8 with R. Kelly". Rnbmusicblog.com. 19 November 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  20. ^ "2Face, Annie Idibia bag new endorsement deal". Vanguard News. 22 April 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  21. ^ Nonye Ben-Nwankwo. "Endorsement deals: New income source for celebrities". Archived from the original on 10 December 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  22. ^ "2Face Idibia: Ten Most Iconic Moments". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 18 September 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  23. ^ "2Face Idibia Nicks Deals With NB Plc – P.M. NEWS Nigeria". 23 November 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  24. ^ "2 Face, IK, Akpororo, others now Airtel brand ambassadors". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 15 June 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  25. ^ "2face dumps Airtel, becomes Glo ambassador". Vanguard News. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  26. ^ "2Baba lands endorsement deal with real estate firm". Vanguard News. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  27. ^ "2Face, Wizkid in first collabo as Hennessy Artistry goes to Ghana". Vanguard News. 13 October 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  28. ^ "oraimo Unveils 2Face as Brand Ambassador, Launches 310 Hours Battery Life Necklace". This Day. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  29. ^ "2Baba lands endorsement deal with real estate firm". Vanguard News. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  30. ^ "STAR CELEBRATES 2FACE AT 40". The Nation. 18 September 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  31. ^ "STAR to Celebrate 2Face at 40 With All-Star Tribute Concert". Vanguard. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  32. ^ Joey Akan (8 September 2015). "Singer announces concert to mark 40th birthday". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  33. ^ "Why I started Buckwyld & Breathless concert – 2face Idibia – Vanguard News". Vanguard News. 24 September 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  34. ^ Emmanuel, Olu (25 January 2016). "Headies Awards: Efe Omorogbe speaks on 2face Idibia's Hall of Fame induction - National Daily Newspaper". Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  35. ^ Samuel, Mofijesusewa (25 November 2019). "2Baba And Awilo Longomba Honoured With The 'Legend Of The Year' Title At The 2019 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  36. ^ "Ghana: African greats inducted into Music Legends Hall of Fame". Music in Africa. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  37. ^ "'2Face' Idibia: Message behind the music". CNN. 29 November 2011. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
  38. ^ "NAFDAC appoints 2face Ambassador". vanguardngr.com. 18 September 2009. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  39. ^ "2Baba".
  40. ^ "Singer launches "Vote Not Fight" campaign in Anambra". 14 September 2017.
  41. ^ "Studio donation: 2Baba would've trended if he impregnated someone, says Annie Idibia". Punch Newspapers. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  42. ^ Ojeme, Victoria (23 June 2020). "UNHCR appoints Innocent Idibia as goodwill ambassador". Vanguard (Nigeria). Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  43. ^ "2Baba newly appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador". UNHCR. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  44. ^ "2face Idibia and Annie Macaulay wed secretly". thenet.ng. The Net. 4 May 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  45. ^ "Annie, anointed queen of a shooting star". punchng.com. The Punch. 17 February 2012. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  46. ^ "10 cutest couple moments of singer and wife as they mark 3rd wedding anniversary". Pulse NG. 23 March 2016.
  47. ^ "Plantashun Boyz alum blames selfishness for split". Pulse Nigeria. 18 February 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  48. ^ "Blackface: I wrote 'African Queen'... I decide who sings it and who doesn't". TheCable Lifestyle. 12 September 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  49. ^ Alonge, Osagie (1 August 2013). "2face, Blackface and the controversial 'African queen'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  50. ^ "Blackface don dey chop money from African Queen for 10 years – 2face Management". BBC News Pidgin. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  51. ^ Augoye, Jayne (25 January 2017). "Recession: 2Face plans to lead nationwide protest". Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  52. ^ "2face announces nationwide protest against 'obnoxious policies' of FG". TheCable Lifestyle. 25 January 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  53. ^ Inyang, Ifreke (25 January 2017). "2face Idibia announces nationwide protest against Buhari's policies". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  54. ^ "Tuface To Protest Despite Police Ban, Warnings". Sahara Reporters. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  55. ^ "Police Ban Tuface from Protesting in Lagos". guardian.ng. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  56. ^ "I was not arrested – Tuface". Punch Newspapers. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  57. ^ Nwachukwu, John Owen (6 February 2017). "Cancelled protest: I was not arrested by DSS – 2face". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  58. ^ "'I was not arrested by the DSS' – music star says". pulse.ng. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  59. ^ "2face – Away and Beyond [Album Review]". Netng. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  60. ^ "Warriors by 2Baba". Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  61. ^ "10 things to know about 2face as he turns 42". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  62. ^ "5TH AFRIMA WINNERS". Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  63. ^ "2Baba is Getting Honoured with a Doctorate Degree from Igbinedion University". 5 May 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  64. ^ "2face bags Masters Degree". 11 May 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  65. ^ Okonofua, Odion (21 March 2019). "2Face Idibia receives award of Fellow of the School of Music at Obafemi Awolowo University". pulse.ng. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  66. ^ Famuyiwa, Damilare (7 August 2019). "NSE appoints 2face as its 'Good Cause Ambassador'". Nairametrics. Retrieved 9 August 2019.

External links[edit]