Hit Song African Queen’s Glory And Burden: 2Face Idibia Reflects On His Defining Song And Its Endless Controversy

 

Legendary Nigerian musician, Innocent Ujah Idibia, better known as 2Face or 2Baba, has shared heartfelt reflections on his iconic track African Queen, describing it as both a blessing and a curse in his life. The singer, whose music has defined a generation and inspired countless artists, made this revelation during a recent episode of the Entertainment & Lifestyle Show, where he discussed the highs and lows that followed the song’s global success.

According to 2Face, African Queen brought him unprecedented fame and recognition but also ushered in challenges that have followed him for years. “African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me. But I am grateful for everything,” he revealed during the conversation. His statement offered rare insight into the emotional weight of carrying a song that has transcended generations and genres.

When African Queen was released in 2004, it instantly became a timeless anthem of love and African beauty. The song not only dominated the Nigerian music scene but also placed Afrobeats on the global map at a time when African artists struggled for international visibility. Its success catapulted 2Face to worldwide fame, making him the first African artist to win the prestigious BET Award, MTV Europe Music Award, and MOBO Award, achievements that solidified his legendary status.

Despite its remarkable impact, the journey of African Queen has not been without turbulence. Over the years, debates surrounding the true authorship of the song have persisted, fueled by claims from 2Face’s former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Blackface. He has repeatedly accused 2Face of stealing the song, a claim that has lingered in the public discourse for nearly two decades. 2Face, however, has consistently maintained that the song was a collaborative effort during their time together in the band and firmly denied any wrongdoing.

The controversy reemerged recently after Billboard named African Queen the “greatest Afrobeats song of all time” in August 2025. The recognition reignited public interest and reopened old debates about the song’s origin and ownership. While fans celebrated the global acknowledgment of the hit, critics and former collaborators revisited the unresolved tensions surrounding its creation.

For 2Face, the record’s success remains both a source of pride and a reminder of the complexities of fame. The song not only changed his life but also became a cultural milestone that introduced the world to a new sound and narrative from Africa. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics have earned it a permanent place in African music history, making it one of the most recognizable love songs ever produced on the continent.

Even with the lingering controversies, African Queen continues to define 2Face’s career and legacy. It remains a symbol of how a single piece of art can elevate an artist while also trapping them in a cycle of endless scrutiny. For 2Face, gratitude seems to be his chosen response. Despite the challenges, he embraces the journey and acknowledges that every blessing can sometimes carry its own share of burdens.

Through the years, African Queen has remained a song that bridges generations, transcends borders, and celebrates African identity. As 2Face reflects on its dual impact, his story serves as a reminder that the price of greatness often includes both glory and controversy.