Innocent Ujah Idibia, better known as 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia), is a famous Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is widely recognized for his contributions to African music and his hit song African Queen. He gained popularity with his debut solo album, Face 2 Face, and is considered one of the most influential Afrobeats artists of all time. His music played a major role in shaping Nigerian pop music in the 2000s.
Common Name | 2Baba |
Full Name | Innocent Ujah Idibia |
Age | 49 years old (as of 2025) |
Data of Birth | September 18, 1975 |
Gender | Male |
Occupation | Singer, songwriter, and music producer |
Marital Status | Separated |
Religion | Christian |
Ethnicity | Idoma |
State of Origin | Benue |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Net Worth | $15 million |
Table of Contents
2Baba Biography
2Baba, whose real name is Innocent Ujah Idibia, was born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He is originally from the Idoma ethnic group in Benue State, located in central Nigeria.
His music journey started in the mid-1990s, and by 1996, he was already writing songs and recording jingles, especially at the GB Fan Club at Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS). He initially used the stage name “2Face” to separate his personal life from his career, but in 2016, he officially changed it to “2Baba.”
Over the years, he has become one of Africa’s most respected musicians. In 2005, he won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. In 2019, he collaborated with Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo on a song to raise awareness for children’s rights.
2Baba Educational Background
2Baba attended Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School in Makurdi. He later pursued higher education at the Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) in Enugu, where he studied business administration. During his time at IMT, he actively participated in school events and performed at various shows, laying the foundation for his music career.
2Baba Career
2Baba began his professional music career as a member of Plantashun Boiz, a group he formed with his secondary school friend Blackface and Faze while attending IMT. The group released two albums, Body and Soul (2000) and Sold Out (2003), under Dove Records, owned by Nelson Brown. However, in 2004, the group split, and 2Baba decided to go solo.
That same year, he released his debut solo album, Face 2 Face, which received positive reviews and was later ranked as the greatest Nigerian debut album of the 21st century by a solo artist. The album featured African Queen, the song that brought him international fame. He followed up with Grass 2 Grace in 2006 before leaving Kennis Music to start his own record label, Hypertek Digital.
In 2009, he experimented with a new sound in his album The Unstoppable, followed by an international edition in 2010, which won two SoundCity Music Video Awards.
In 2016, 2Baba officially changed his stage name from “2Face” to “2Baba,” explaining that it felt more mature and that many of his friends were already calling him by that name.
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2Baba Personal Life
Aside from his music career, 2Baba is also known for his philanthropy and activism. He founded the 2Baba Foundation, which focuses on promoting peace and national development in Nigeria. Over the years, he has used his influence to support various social causes and raise awareness on important issues.
In 2004, 2Baba’s decision to leave Plantashun Boiz led to the group’s breakup, creating tension between him and his former bandmates, Blackface and Faze. The split resulted in a long-standing feud, with both sides exchanging blame through their solo songs. Blackface, in particular, accused 2Baba of performing songs they had co-written without giving him proper credit. The dispute escalated when Blackface publicly claimed that he was the original writer of African Queen, one of 2Baba’s biggest hits. This led to a legal battle involving Kennis Music, 2Baba’s former record label. Eventually, the label agreed to credit Blackface as a songwriter and pay him royalties, settling the matter in court.
2Baba Age
2baba was born September 18, 1975, as of January 2025, he is 49 years old.
2Baba Controversies
On January 25, 2017, 2Baba announced via Instagram that he would lead a nationwide protest on February 5, 2017, against the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. However, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, declared that the protest was banned due to concerns that it could be hijacked by criminals. Despite this, the protest continued to gain support on social media. In February 2017, 2Baba released a video canceling the protest, citing security reasons. Rumors quickly spread that he had been pressured by government security forces to back down, though he later denied these claims in a series of tweets.
A few years into his marriage, 2Baba was caught in a scandal involving his baby mama, Pero Adeniyi, the mother of three of his children. Reports claimed that he was seen kissing Pero in the VIP section of his Festac nightclub, Rumours. News of the incident quickly reached his wife, Annie Idibia, who allegedly rushed to the club to confront him. However, the club’s management diverted her to a private room. The incident sparked further controversy in their marriage, adding to the challenges they had faced over the years.
2Baba Wife
2Baba married Annie Macaulay, a Nollywood actress and entrepreneur, in a private ceremony in Lagos on May 2, 2012. The couple later held a more elaborate ceremony in Dubai on March 23, 2013, attended by family, friends, and notable personalities. The couple is blessed with two beautiful daughters. On 26 January, 2025, he announced his divorce from his wife Annie on Instagram.
2Baba Baby Mama’s and Children
Despite some adorable moments between 2Baba and his wife Annie, their marriage has faced challenges. There have been issues with trust, cheating, and disagreements with family members. Besides Annie, 2Baba has five other children with two other women.
With Sumbo Adeoye, he has two sons, Nino and Zion. With Pero Adeniyi, he has three children: a girl, Ehi, and two boys, Justin and Innocent. With Annie, he has two daughters, Isabel and Olivia. All the kids look a lot like 2Baba.
2Baba Divorce Saga
“On January 27, 2025, famous musician 2Baba announced on Instagram that he and his wife, Annie, are separating. They got married in 2012 and have two daughters together.
2Baba said they had been apart for a while and were getting a divorce. Although he deleted the post, he later confirmed it was true in a video.
Annie is reportedly very upset about the separation. According to sources, she’s receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center. Friends like Toke Makinwa and Tiwa Savage are supporting her.
Meanwhile, 2Baba is facing criticism from people on social media.
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2Baba Awards and Honor’s
2Baba has won many awards for his music. Some of his notable awards include:
- Best Male Vocalist 2002 Affinity Awards
- Best Video A.M.E.N Awards, 2004
- Best Male Vocalist, A.M.E.N Awards, 2004
- Music of the Year, Excellence Recognition Awards, 2004
- Best Album of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, New York, 2004
- Song of the Year for ‘African Queen’ Nigeria Entertainment Awards New York, 2004
- Best African Act, Channel O Music Video Awards, 2005
- Best African Act, Kora Awards, 2005
- Best Musical Artiste, Afro Nollywood Award, 2005
- Special Recognition Award, Hip Hop World Awards, 2005
- Musician of the Year, The Future Awards, 2006
- Best African Act, MOBO Awards, 2007
- Song of the Decade, Nigerian Music Awards, 2007
- Best Selling Nigerian Artist, World Music Awards, Monaco, Spain, 2008
- Best African Act, Australian African Awards, 2008
- Best R&B MTV Africa Music Awards, 2009
- Artist of the Year, MTV Africa Music Awards, 2010
- Best Pop Video for “Implication”, Sound City Awards, 2010
- Best International Act: Africa BET Awards of 2011
- Artist of the Year, Hip Hop World Awards- “The Headies”, 2011
- Album of the Year – Ascension- “Ben TV Awards 2014
He has also been honored at several music award ceremonies, including the MTV Africa Music Awards and the Music of Black Origin Awards.
In addition to his awards, 2Baba has received special recognition for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Music Legends Hall of Fame in Ghana in 2022.
2Baba has also received honorary degrees from two universities in Nigeria: Igbinedion University and Obafemi Awolowo University.
2Baba Endorsements
2Baba has represented several brands as an ambassador. Some of these brands include:
- Guinness (2005)
- NAFDAC (2009)
- Nigerian Stock Exchange
- Airtel Nigeria
- Globacom
- Pazino Homes and Gardens
- Hennessy (alongside Wizkid in 2014)
- Oraimo
- Campari (as African ambassador in 2016)
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2baba Net Worth
2Baba is estimated to be worth around $15 million. He made his money from his successful music career, investments in real estate, and owning businesses, such as Rumour Nightclub in Lagos. These ventures have helped 2Baba build his wealth over time.
2Baba Social Media Handles
Instagram: @official2baba
Twitter X: @#ONELOVERELIGION #UNWASHTHEBRAINWASH #OPENYOUREYES
Facebook: 2baba Idibia
YouTube: Official2Baba
2Baba Songs
Throughout his career, 2Baba has released numerous hit songs, including:
- African Queen
- If Love Is a Crime
- True Love
- Implication
- Only Me
- Amaka