Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding his classic hit, “African Queen.”
Appearing on the 234 Mzansi Podcast, which aired on YouTube on Monday, the legendary artist clarified that the song widely credited with propelling him to international fame and spotlighting Nigerian music on the global stage was co-written with his former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Blackface.
“It’s a collab. I wrote most of the song actually, but we wrote it together,” 2Baba explained.
Despite the song’s success and clear legal standing, 2Baba expressed frustration over Blackface’s ongoing claims of sole authorship.
“For me, the law speaks for itself. I don’t know his intentions. I honestly don’t know what I’ve ever done to him,” he said.
Over the years, Blackface has publicly accused 2Baba of stealing the song a claim that has sparked repeated public back-and-forth. Still, 2Baba maintains that he has responded with respect and patience.
“His accusations are absurd and painful. Till today, I just wonder why? What’s the reason?”
The African Queen controversy remains one of the most talked-about disputes in Nigerian music history, highlighting both the creative tensions and unresolved personal rifts behind some of the country’s biggest hits.
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