Annie Macaulay stunned the crowd at the 17th Headies Awards on Sunday night, April 27, 2025, as she publicly confirmed the end of her marriage to Nigerian music legend Innocent “2Baba” Idibia. Taking the stage with Farooq Oreagba, the iconic “King of Steeze” from the 2024 Ojude Oba festival, Annie’s powerful declaration sent an instant shockwave across the entertainment world.
While introducing herself to present the award for Best Afrobeat Singer of the Year, Annie stumbled over her former marital name before boldly reclaiming her maiden identity. “Annie Idi… Oh sorry, Annie Macaulay. Hey, single ladies!” she declared, triggering deafening cheers from the audience inside the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The public confirmation put months of speculation to rest. Annie had first hinted at the split when she resurfaced on Instagram in March 2025 after a two-month hiatus, signing off with her full maiden name — Annie Uwana Macaulay — and notably dropping “Idibia” from her handle and bio. The subtle changes did not go unnoticed by fans, but Sunday’s Headies moment sealed it.
2Baba, 49, had earlier announced the separation in January 2025 via a heartfelt Instagram statement, citing irreconcilable differences and calling for privacy. Just weeks later, the Afrobeats star proposed to Edo-born lawmaker Natasha Osawaru during a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. By April 2025, Osawaru had reportedly been introduced to 2Baba’s family and kinsmen in Benue State, sparking viral wedding rumours.
Annie and 2Baba’s relationship had spanned two decades, marred by numerous controversies including alleged infidelity, public apologies, and emotional outbursts. The couple, married in 2012, share two daughters — Isabel and Olivia — and were long celebrated as a resilient love story until cracks became impossible to mend.
Industry insiders revealed that despite several behind-the-scenes reconciliation attempts, Annie decided to walk away after what sources described as “too many broken promises and public humiliation.” Her Headies appearance, they said, was not just an announcement but a powerful reclaiming of her life, career, and identity.
As of today, Annie has not commented further on the matter, but her bold moment at the 17th Headies Awards has inspired a surge of support from women across Africa, hailing her as a symbol of strength, dignity, and self-respect in the face of heartbreak.
