2Baba (2Face) Biography: Personal Life
Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia), was born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He is of Idoma descent from Benue State, located in central Nigeria.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential Afrobeats artists, 2Baba has carved an illustrious career in music, philanthropy, and advocacy.
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He married Nigerian actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia in 2012, and their union produced two children. The couple held a civil ceremony in Dubai on March 23, 2013. However, on January 26, 2025, 2Baba announced their divorce via Instagram.
2Baba (2Face) Biography: Early Life and Education
2Baba attended Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State, before pursuing Business Administration at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. During his time at IMT, he began composing music and performing at events. He also created jingles for the GB Fan Club at Enugu State Broadcasting Services. However, he discontinued his formal education to focus on his music career.
Music Career
2Baba’s music journey began with the trio band Plantashun Boiz, formed alongside Blackface Naija and Faze. The group released two albums—Body and Soul (2000) and Sold Out (2003)—under Dove Records before disbanding in 2004. Following the split, 2Baba embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Face 2 Face (2004), which garnered widespread acclaim. The album is considered one of the greatest Nigerian debut albums of the 21st century.
He followed it with Grass 2 Grace (2006) before founding his record label, Hypertek Digital. In 2009, he released The Unstoppable, followed by an international edition in 2010, which won two awards at the SoundCity Music Video Awards. Subsequent albums include Away and Beyond (2012), The Ascension (2014), and Warriors (2020). His hit song “African Queen” cemented his status as a global Afrobeats icon, though it sparked controversies over writing credits, which were later resolved.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Beyond music, 2Baba has been a strong advocate for social change. In 2017, he planned a nationwide protest against certain government policies but canceled it due to security concerns. He partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support internally displaced persons and launched the “Vote Not Fight” campaign to promote peaceful elections.
2Baba founded the 2Baba Foundation (formerly 2Face Reach Out Foundation), focusing on humanitarian causes. In 2019, he collaborated with Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo to release a song advocating for children’s rights.
Awards and Recognition
2Baba’s talent has earned him numerous accolades, including an MTV Europe Music Award, a BET Award, and five The Headies awards. He was inducted into The Headies Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Music Legends Hall of Fame in Ghana in 2022. In 2016, Igbinedion University awarded him an honorary Master of Arts in Music, and in 2019, he was named a Fellow of the School of Music at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Business Ventures and Brand Endorsements
2Baba has partnered with notable brands such as Guinness, Airtel Nigeria, and Campari, among others. He founded the “Buckwyld and Breathless” concert series and organized the FORTYfied All-Star Tribute Concert in 2015 to celebrate his 40th birthday and impact on Nigerian music.
Discography
Some of 2Baba’s notable albums include:
- Face 2 Face (2004)
- Grass 2 Grace (2006)
- The Unstoppable (2009)
- Away and Beyond (2012)
- The Ascension (2014)
- Warriors (2020)
Legacy
2Baba’s contributions to Afrobeats and Nigerian pop music remain unparalleled. With a career spanning decades, he continues to inspire generations with his music, philanthropy, and dedication to societal progress.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from Wikipedia. All details cannot be independently verified by Daily News 24 or its editorial team.
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