Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has affirmed his enduring relevance in the music scene despite the dominance of newer Afrobeats artists. The ‘African Queen’ hitmaker emphasized that the efforts and sacrifices made by him and his contemporaries have been pivotal in propelling Afrobeats to its current prominence.
In a recent interview with AFRIMMA, 2Baba advised young artists to trust the process rather than succumbing to overambition. He pointed to Burna Boy as a prime example, noting that Burna Boy’s rise involved selling out small venues and gradually building a dedicated fan base before achieving the milestone of filling arenas and stadia.
“Burna Boy sells out Madison Square Garden and they [other artistes] think they are on the same level. And that’s unrealistic. He knows what he passed through before getting to the level he is, and you have to go through that process in full. Burna Boy didn’t just wake up and sell out Madison Square Garden, it’s a process that took a long time,” 2Baba explained.
He further stated, “He started by touring small venues and he built a huge followership from there. And you see the results now. It’s the same process. We are part of the sacrificers; the instrumental process. But that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that I am still very much relevant. I’m still here making good music.”