2Face Idibia says ‘African Queen’ brought him global fame but also personal burdens, as debate over the song’s authorship resurfaces
2Face Idibia has opened up about the mixed emotions surrounding his timeless hit, African Queen, describing it as both a blessing and a burden that changed his life forever.
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Speaking on a recent episode of the Entertainment & Lifestyle Show, the legendary Nigerian musician said the 2004 classic remains one of the most defining songs of his career but also one that has brought unexpected challenges.
“African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me. But I am grateful for everything,” 2Face Idibia said with candour.
Released in 2004, African Queen catapulted 2Face into international fame, earning him global recognition as the first African artist to win the BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO Awards.
The song became an anthem of love and African pride, inspiring millions across the continent and beyond.
However, the track has also been shadowed by controversy, particularly over claims of authorship made by his former bandmate, Blackface.
The latter has repeatedly alleged that 2Face stole the song from him, a claim 2Face Idibia has consistently denied.
In earlier interviews, the singer acknowledged that African Queen was initially a collaborative project during their time together in the Plantashun Boiz group but maintained that the final version was his solo creation.
The dispute regained public attention after Billboard named African Queen the “greatest Afrobeats song of all time” in August 2025 reigniting conversations about its origin and legacy.
Two decades on, African Queen remains one of Africa’s most celebrated love songs and a cornerstone of the continent’s modern music identity.
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For 2Face Idibia, it’s a song that continues to bless him even as it tests his patience.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
