As he turns 50 today, there is almost nothing I can tell you about Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia that you do not already know.
Born at 5:30 AM on this day 50 years ago to Michael and Rosemary Idibia at OLA Hospital in Jos, he has been in the media spotlight since he quit his tertiary education at the Institute of Management Studies and Technology, Enugu, to pursue music as a career in Lagos almost 30 years ago.
Today, he is easily one of Africa’s greatest and most inspiring contemporary singers. Even if he does not release a new song every other day like many contemporary artistes do today, almost anything he does remains newsworthy. A comment on a podcast, a sighting at the mall, or an encrypted post still sends social media into a frenzy.
His journey from a member of the R&B group Plantashun Boiz to becoming one of Africa’s most successful solo artistes has been nothing short of remarkable. His 2004 hit “African Queen” didn’t just top charts—it fundamentally changed how the world viewed Nigerian music, paving the way for the global Afrobeats explosion we witness today.
With multiple albums, countless awards, and a legacy that spans over three decades, 2Baba has achieved virtually everything possible in the music industry. Other songs in his catalogue include timeless classics like “True Love,” and “If Love Is a Crime,” while his smooth vocals and romantic ballads have soundtracked countless relationships across Africa and beyond.
The decision to quit studies for music, relocating to Lagos with barely enough in his pockets, may be the most unhinged decision that made him who he is, but his career is marked by many of those brave decisions.
Many historians credit the now-defunct music group, Remedies, as the spark that ignited the birth of Afrobeats, but it was the Plantashaun Boiz under Nelson Brown’s Dove Records that made it into a big ball of fire with their smooth, velvety voice. Yet, 2Face, as he was known at the time, left Plantashun Boiz and Dove Records in 2004, pitched his tent with Kennis Music, changed his looks, attitude, locked in, and recorded Face 2 Face, the album that turned his life full circle and changed the industry as we know it.
Face 2 Face and sophomore solo album, Grass 2 Grace, sold more than 10 million copies in an era when streaming platforms were in their infancy and people needed to purchase physical copies, rekindling the fading hopes in the industry. Many of today’s pop stars continue to thank him for lighting the path and showing it can be done.
At 50, 2Baba stands at what may be the most transformative crossroads of his illustrious career. The Nigerian music icon who gave the world “African Queen” and helped pioneer Afrobeats on the global stage is orchestrating what appears to be a complete reinvention of his personal and professional life.
While a lot must have been going on behind the scenes, the seismic shift first became apparent in January 2025 when 2Baba shocked fans with a candid Instagram announcement: his marriage to actress Annie Macaulay, which had weathered numerous public storms since their public 2013 wedding, was coming to an end.
Annie Macaulay-Idibia confirmed the divorce during the 17th Headies Awards ceremony in April 2025, bringing official closure to one of Nigeria’s most scrutinised celebrity marriages. The union, which had survived previous cheating scandals and public disputes, finally succumbed to irreconcilable differences, leaving fans and industry watchers to speculate about what would come next for the music legend.
Within days of his divorce announcement, 2Baba was spotted with Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, and they got married in a private ceremony a few months later. The pairing immediately sparked conversations across social media, not just because of the significant age difference, but because it represented a potential bridge between entertainment and politics—two worlds 2Baba has increasingly seemed interested in connecting.
He had never shied away from calling out the Nigerian government or people when he thought things could be better. Songs like For instance, E be like Say, Only Me to name a few, talked about government corruption and other ills in society. In 2017, he called for and later cancelled a nationwide protest against what he claimed was the worst economic crisis in the country. He learnt his voice during the EndSars protests, and has called for a stop to the killings in Benue and other issues.
Osawaru, a rising political figure in her own right, brings youth and political acumen to what appears to be more than just a romantic relationship. Industry insiders suggest this partnership could signal 2Baba’s serious intentions to leverage his massive influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a 2019 interview, observers noted his increasing political outspokenness, describing it as coming with “maturity and age.” Now, at 50, that political awareness appears to be crystallising into something more concrete.
Beyond matters of the heart and potential political aspirations, other events suggest 2Baba is also restructuring his business empire. Having built substantial wealth through music, endorsements, and various investments over the years, he appears to be positioning himself for ventures that extend far beyond entertainment.
In July 2025, 2BABA officially announced a transition in his career direction, unveiling a powerhouse management team called ‘A Guy Entertainment’ poised to elevate his brand to new heights. The official statement from 2Baba read that the team will oversee everything from new music releases and creative collaborations to international engagements and brand partnerships.
The strategic nature of his recent moves suggests a calculated approach to this new phase of his life. Industry analysts point to this as evidence of an artist who understands that longevity in the entertainment business requires constant evolution.
I’m excited about this new chapter. Change is a necessary part of growth, and I believe this team understands my vision, my legacy, and where we’re headed next. We’re not just celebrating the past—we’re creating more magic.”
As he turns 50, his recent decisions reflect the choices of a man unafraid of what people think or scared to disrupt his own narrative. The musician who once sang about true love and African queens now appears ready to explore new territories, both personally and professionally.
Whether 2Baba’s pivot will include a formal entry into politics remains to be seen. His relationship with Osawaru certainly provides him with insider political insights and connections that could prove valuable should he choose to pursue public office. Given his massive fanbase and cultural influence, a political campaign by 2Baba would undoubtedly reshape Nigeria’s entertainment-politics intersection.
For now, the artist appears focused on this period of personal and professional transformation. His fans, who have supported him through various phases of his career, seem largely supportive of his right to pursue happiness and new challenges, even as they await news of new music or official political announcements.
As Innocent Idibia continues to navigate this new chapter, one thing remains clear: he has never been one to follow conventional paths. From his early days with Plantashun Boyz through his solo success and now into this phase of reinvention, he has consistently surprised audiences.
Here’s to the next 50 years, 2 Baba. Happy birthday
The post At 50, 2Baba appears ready to rewrite his story. Again appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
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