2Baba celebrates 51st birthday with album preview, celebrity guests and new food business

Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, marked his 51st birthday with an album listening party that brought together his children, family members and several notable figures in the entertainment industry.

The event, held on Saturday in Victoria Island, Lagos, gave guests an opportunity to celebrate the veteran singer while getting an early preview of his forthcoming album, Oldest Young Man.

Among those present were music executives Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo “D1” Adeneye, singers Wande Coal, African China, Faze, Tony Tetuila and Spyro, as well as comedian and actor Ayo Makun and actor Jide Awobona.

2Baba’s mother, Rose Idibia, and his children were also present. They joined the singer on stage to cut his birthday cake, making the occasion a family celebration as well as a gathering of music industry colleagues and friends.

One of the memorable moments of the evening came when 2Baba performed alongside Faze. The duo revisited their days as members of Plantashun Boiz, the influential music group they formed with Blackface in the late 1990s. Their performance attracted applause from guests and offered a reminder of their contribution to Nigerian music.

Beyond the birthday celebration, 2Baba used the occasion to introduce 2Baba Jollof, his new food business, marking another step into entrepreneurship. The singer had also released “Mental”, a collaboration with Fave, on Friday as part of his birthday activities.

The listening party also gave attendees an early taste of Oldest Young Man, although the album was yet to be officially released.

Why 2Baba remains relevant

Born on 18 September 1975, 2Baba has maintained a significant presence in Nigerian music for decades. He first gained national attention as a member of Plantashun Boiz before establishing a successful solo career.

His 2004 debut solo album, Face 2 Face, featured “African Queen”, one of the songs that helped introduce his music to a wider African and international audience.

His ability to remain active through new releases, collaborations and business ventures demonstrates his continued interest in the entertainment industry. His birthday gathering also showed the lasting relationships he has built with colleagues across different generations of Nigerian music.

As he begins another year, 2Baba appears ready to combine his musical legacy with new creative and business projects.