Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Face or 2Baba, has finally addressed the long-running controversy over the authorship of his career-defining hit, ‘African Queen.’ Speaking during the latest episode of the 234 Mzansi Podcast hosted by Nedu Wazobia, 2Face firmly stated that the song was a collaborative effort, but made it clear that he was the principal writer.
The multi-award-winning singer expressed disbelief over his former bandmate Blackface’s persistent accusations that the song was stolen. “It’s a collabo. I wrote most of the song actually, but we wrote the song together basically,” 2Face clarified, adding, “He [Blackface] will come to his senses one day.”
Released in 2004, ‘African Queen’ became the breakthrough single that propelled 2Face to international stardom, opening global doors for the Afrobeats genre. The track remains one of the most iconic love songs ever produced by a Nigerian artist, garnering millions of streams and winning several international awards.
The track’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria. ‘African Queen’ became the first song ever aired on MTV Base Africa, and was later featured as a soundtrack in the 2006 Hollywood film, ‘Phat Girlz,’ starring Mo’Nique. The success also earned 2Face the MTV Europe Music Award, MOBO Award, and made him one of the first African joint winners at the BET Awards.
Blackface, a former member of the now-defunct Plantashun Boiz alongside 2Face and Faze, has for years insisted that 2Face stole the song without giving him due credit—a claim that has sparked several public exchanges and legal threats between the two former friends.
Fans and entertainment analysts believe 2Face’s latest statement may finally settle the debate, though some social media users are already predicting another clapback from Blackface. As the story trends again, industry watchers say this is yet another reminder of how timeless and culturally significant ‘African Queen’ remains, even two decades later.
2Face wrapped up the conversation by saying he holds no grudge but hopes the truth will eventually prevail. “I just want peace at this point,” he said with a chuckle.
