Nigerian music icon 2Baba, also known as Innocent Idibia, paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran entertainer Daddy Showkey during the latter's 50 years on stage anniversary concert, revealing a personal story from the start of his career. The event, billed as "The Journey! My 50 Years on Stage as an Entertainer," took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
A Surprising Revelation from 2Baba
Taking a moment between performances, 2Baba told the crowd that Daddy Showkey was the first person to ever hand him a dollar note. "Daddy Showkey was the first person to give me $100, and that was my first time seeing a dollar note. It was this great man that gave it to me," he said. The revelation drew attention to the veteran's early support for emerging artists in the Nigerian music scene.
The concert brought together a star-studded lineup, including Cobhams, Tony Tetuila, 9ice, African China, Danfo Drivers, Marvellous Benjy, Korede Bello, Baba Fryo, and Teni the Entertainer. For many in attendance, the evening served as a nostalgic journey back to a formative era in the country's entertainment history, with Daddy Showkey's street-influenced galala sound being a defining force in 1990s Nigerian music.
2Baba Reflects on Personal Growth
Beyond the tribute, 2Baba used the occasion to reflect on his own evolution. He acknowledged that he once had a habit of seeking out trouble in his younger years, a pattern that only changed after experiencing consequences he had not anticipated. The public moment adds to a broader period of introspection for the singer.
Last year, 2Baba marked 25 years in the Nigerian music industry, using the milestone to publicly appreciate his wife Natasha, former Plantashun Boiz bandmates Blackface and Faze, his longtime manager Efe Omorogbe, and several others in his circle. Around that same time, he announced a new management team, describing it as part of his drive to reinvent his brand while protecting the legacy he had built. His split from Omorogbe, who managed him for roughly two decades, was confirmed in 2024.
A Period of Candid Appearances
Since then, 2Baba has made a series of candid public appearances. At his 50th birthday celebration in September, he acknowledged that several people who began the journey with him were no longer present. At a concert in December, he issued a public apology to Nigerians, asking for forgiveness on behalf of himself and his family.
The tribute to Daddy Showkey comes amid ongoing public interest in 2Baba's personal life. Legit.ng previously reported that 2Baba and his wife Natasha Osawaru trended following a recent event, with netizens focusing on Natasha's ensemble. The couple's appearances continue to generate reactions on social media, while 2Baba's career milestones remain a subject of public engagement.
