Veteran musician 2Baba says his 2004 hit “African Queen” is both a blessing and a burden — the song catapulted his career but now overshadows his entire catalogue.
2Baba (Innocent Idibia) says his classic 2004 single “African Queen” has delivered enormous success, but also come with unexpected pressure. He told a Nigerian entertainment show: “African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me.”
The song gave him international acclaim and opened doors, yet 2Baba explained that its success now sets a constant standard he feels trapped by. “It served as a yardstick to my other works,” he said.
Read Also: Fela Kuti Legacy: How the Pioneer Still Shapes Afrobeats in 2025
Table of contents [Show]
“African Queen” symbolised a breakthrough. It propelled 2Baba into global recognition, winning awards and becoming a staple across Africa and beyond.
He explained that the track’s fame means his subsequent songs are always compared against it, making him feel his work must live up to “that one hit.” That pressure, he said, limits creative freedom.
2Baba also alluded to long-running authorship disputes involving “African Queen,” which resurfaced with renewed debate when Billboard named the song the greatest Afrobeats record of all time.
His comments show how one defining song can alter an artist’s career permanently. While success is desirable, the weight of “the hit” can become constraining rather than liberating.
2Baba said he remains grateful and continues making music on his own terms. He emphasised that while “African Queen” will always matter, his creative journey is about more than that one song.
Sammy West, brother of actress Regina Daniels, has come under public scrutiny after being remanded to prison amid family and legal tensions. This biography covers his background, key family ties, and the current dispute surrounding his detention.
Grammy-winner Angélique Kidjo says she avoids making music for politicians because power is fleeting and artists aligned with it risk losing relevance when regimes change.
Grammy-winner Burna Boy made a memorable appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, entering through a “Spirit Tunnel” flanked by Yoruba drummers. He discussed his album No Sign of Weakness and showcased Nigerian culture on global television.
&format=webp)
