2Baba unforgettable ‘African Queen’ truths emerge as he finally addresses the long-running song authorship controversy with former bandmate Blackface
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]enowned Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has at last broken his silence on the enduring controversy surrounding the authorship of his hit song, “African Queen.”
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In a candid interview featured on the 234 Mzansi Podcast, which premiered on YouTube this Monday, 2Baba unequivocally clarified the collaborative nature of the track.
This song not only catapulted him to global stardom but also significantly propelled Nigerian music onto the international stage, establishing a new era for African artists worldwide.
His long-awaited statement addresses years of speculation and public dispute, aiming to set the record straight once and for all regarding the genesis of his career-defining anthem.
During the podcast, 2Baba confirmed that “African Queen” was indeed a joint creative endeavour between himself and his former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Blackface.
“It’s a collab. I wrote most of the song actually, but we wrote it together,” he stated, providing a nuanced perspective on their shared creative process.
This revelation offers a definitive answer to the persistent questions about the song’s origins, highlighting the intertwined musical journeys of the two artists during their formative years.
The emphasis on shared authorship, despite one party contributing the majority, underscores a common practice in collaborative songwriting that often leads to complex ownership discussions.
Despite this clarification, the legendary singer openly expressed his profound disappointment regarding the continuous accusations from Blackface, who has repeatedly asserted sole ownership of the iconic track.
2Baba conveyed his confusion and hurt over the sustained public attacks, particularly given what he perceives as his consistent efforts to show respect towards his former colleague.
“For me, the law and the legal things speak for themselves. So I’m not somebody to come and start… I don’t know what his intentions are. I don’t know what I’ve ever done to him,” 2Baba explained, indicating his reliance on legal precedent while still grappling with the personal motivations behind Blackface’s claims.
It’s a collab. I wrote most of the song actually, but we wrote it together.
The “African Queen” dispute has evolved into one of the most widely discussed feuds within the Nigerian music industry, often overshadowing the immense cultural impact of the song itself.
2Baba maintained that, despite the persistent public criticisms, he has always endeavoured to treat Blackface with dignity and regard.
He described the accusations as both illogical and personally distressing. “They (the things he says) are absurd.
They are just ridiculous and they are very, very painful sometimes,” he lamented, conveying the emotional toll the ongoing conflict has taken on him over the years.
Reflecting further on the protracted rift, 2Baba articulated a deep sense of bewilderment concerning the underlying reasons for Blackface’s persistent animosity.
“Till today, I just wonder why. That is the only thing I have in my head — like why? What is the reason? It’s just ridiculous,” he added, expressing a desire for understanding amidst the prolonged public dispute.
His sentiments underscore the personal anguish that often accompanies high-profile disputes, even for individuals accustomed to life in the public eye.
The music icon’s decision to finally speak out offers fans a clearer picture of his perspective on this enduring saga.
The ongoing controversy surrounding “African Queen” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of creative ownership and personal relationships in the highly competitive music industry.
2Baba’s recent statements provide a significant update to a narrative that has captivated Nigerian entertainment for years, offering his side of a story that has long been debated.
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His openness on the podcast is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the dispute among his vast fanbase and industry peers, perhaps paving the way for a resolution or at least a clearer public perception of the events.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
