2baba – African Queen
Stage Name | 2baba |
Real Name | Innocent Ujah Idibia |
Occupation | Musician |
Date Of Birth/Age | 18th September, 1975 (49 years old) |
Gender | Male |
Height | 6 ft 8 |
Weight | 80kg |
Place of Birth | Jos State |
State of Origin | Benue State |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Marital Status | Annie Macaulay-Idibia – (Wife) |
Education | Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu |
Known for | African Queen |
Early Life & Education
Born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Nigeria, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, hails from the Idoma ethnic group in Benue State. He attended Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. Later, he enrolled at the Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT), pursuing a National Diploma course in Business Administration and Management. Despite being a promising student, 2Baba dropped out of school to pursue his passion for music.
Plantashun Boiz Era
Upon moving to Lagos, 2-Baba collaborated with Blackface Naija, a fellow Benue singer. Together with Faze, they formed the group Plantashun Boiz. The trio released successful albums, including “Body and Soul” (2000) and “Sold Out” (2003). Despite a period of discord, they reunited in 2007 to record their final album, “Plan B” (2007).
Solo Career
After Plantashun Boiz disbanded in 2004, 2-Baba embarked on a solo career. His debut solo album, “Face 2 Face” (2004), became a landmark in Nigerian music. The album featured the iconic “African Queen” and established him as a solo artist. Subsequent albums like “Grass 2 Grace” (2006) and “The Ascension” (2014) showcased his musical versatility. In 2016, he officially changed his stage name from Tuface to 2Baba, marking a new chapter in his solo career.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
2Baba is not only a musical icon but also a successful entrepreneur. He founded Hypertek Digital, his record label, after leaving Kennis Music. Over the years, he secured endorsement deals with prominent brands such as Campari, Guinness, Airtel, and Globacom.
He ventured into real estate, signing an endorsement deal with Pazino Homes and Gardens. Additionally, he became the brand ambassador for Oraimo, a technology brand, in 2019.
Philanthropy and Activism
2-Baba is committed to making a positive impact through his philanthropic efforts. He established the 2Baba Foundation, formerly known as the 2Face Reach Out Foundation. The foundation focuses on nation-building, peaceful co-existence, and accountability in governance.
As a UNHCR Regional Goodwill Ambassador, 2-Baba supports refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). He collaborates with various NGOs, addressing issues such as fake and sub-standard products, youth development, and voter education.
Known for lending his voice to societal issues, Tuface has been a vocal activist. He criticized the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in 2021 for challenges faced by travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awards and Accolades
2Baba’s contribution to music has earned him numerous awards, including one MTV Europe Music Award, one World Music Award, five Headies Awards, four Channel O Music Video Awards, and one BET award. In May 2016, he received an honorary Master of Arts in Music degree from Igbinedion University.
In March 2019, he was honored as a fellow of the School of music by the Music Department, at Obafemi Awolowo University. Furthermore, 2Baba was appointed as the Good Cause Ambassador for the Nigerian Stock Exchange in August 2019.
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Wife and Kids
In his personal life, 2face is married to award-winning actress Annie Idibia. They tied the knot in 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria, and held a civil ceremony in Dubai in 2013. The couple has two daughters, Olivia and Isabel. Notably, 2Baba is also a father to five other children from previous relationships.
2face’s Children from Previous Relationships
Prior to his marriage with Annie, 2Baba became a father to five other children from two previous relationships. His relationship with Sumbo Ajala resulted in the birth of two children, while he fathered three more with Pero Adeniyi. Despite the complexities that sometimes accompany blended families, 2Baba has maintained a sense of responsibility and involvement in the lives of all his children.
Net Worth
As of the latest available information, 2Baba (formerly known as 2Face) has an estimated net worth of $22 million. The Nigerian music icon has achieved significant success and recognition in the African music industry, contributing to his substantial wealth through various ventures and endorsements. You can connect with him on Instagram.
Facts & Stats
Languages: English, Pidgin
First song: Right Here
Genre: hip-hop and R&B blend
The year he started signing: He started signing in 2004
Hit songs: African Queen- 2Face Idibia· Ole – 2-Baba· Rain Drops – 2-Baba· If Love Is a Crime · E be like say – 2-Baba· Be There – 2-Baba. 2-Baba ft Wizkid – Opo. 2-baba ft Burna Boy.