Innocent Ujah Idibia (born 1975), known as 2Baba or 2face Idibia, is one of Nigeria's most celebrated musicians. Rising to fame with Plantashun Boyz in the late 1990s, his solo career exploded with the 2004 hit "African Queen," which appeared in the Hollywood film "Phat Girlz." 2Baba has released seven albums, won numerous awards including MTV Europe Music Award, and collaborated with international artists. His music blends R&B, reggae, and Afrobeats. Beyond music, 2Baba is a humanitarian, founding the 2Baba Foundation supporting education and conflict resolution. He's a UN ambassador and has received national honors. With over 20 years in music, 2Baba remains influential in Afrobeats' global rise.


ARTISTRY AND SOUND EVOLUTION:
2Baba built a catalogue that moves seamlessly from R&B ballads to reggae, highlife, and Afrobeats. Albums such as Face2Face, Grass 2 Grace, The Unstoppable (International Edition), Away & Beyond, and Warriors document a two-decade run of reinvention while keeping his storytelling anchored in everyday Nigerian experiences. He popularised pidgin-English pop poetry, using plain language to deliver profound reflections on love, faith, and social change.

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT:
African Queen introduced Nollywood and Afrobeats to global audiences, but 2Baba sustained the momentum with pan-African collaborations featuring Fally Ipupa, Sauti Sol, Bridget Kelly, and T-Pain. He was the first Nigerian to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2005, has headlined arenas across Europe and North America, and still fills stadiums at home. His Hypertek Digital imprint proved that a Nigerian-owned label could deliver world-class A&R, touring, and publishing administration.

VOICE FOR PEACE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE:
Beyond music charts, 2Baba lends his platform to national conscience. He co-founded the Vote Not Fight campaign, training youth volunteers in all 36 states to advocate non-violent elections. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, he visits internally displaced persons camps, raises emergency funds, and documents the resilience of conflict-affected families. Benefit concerts and targeted grants from the 2Baba Foundation continue to support healthcare, education, and relief projects.

MENTORSHIP AND INDUSTRY BUILDING:
2Baba’s impact multiplies through the creative entrepreneurs he mentors—producers, songwriters, and managers who cut their teeth under Hypertek Digital and Now Muzik. He curates the Buckwyld 'n' Breathless franchise to give emerging acts arena-sized stages, invests in songwriter boot camps, and speaks at policy fora about copyright, royalties, and digital distribution. Many of today’s Afrobeats stars credit his professionalism for teaching them stagecraft, vocal discipline, and the courage to write music that reflects Nigerian realities.

FAST FACTS:
- Birth name: Innocent Ujah Idibia (born 18 September 1975).
- National honours: Member of the Order of the Niger (2010) and multiple Headies Artist of the Year awards.
- Signature philanthropy: 2Baba Foundation programmes on peace-building, education, and refugee support.
- Distinctive trait: performs live with full bands, reinforcing musicianship in a DJ-dominated era.