The Double-Edged Sword of a Global Anthem
Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, known worldwide as 2Face, has shared surprising insights about his iconic love song 'African Queen,' describing it as both an extraordinary blessing and a significant burden in his career. During a recent appearance on an Entertainment & Lifestyle television program, the celebrated artist revealed the complex reality behind Africa's most famous love ballad.
From Local Hit to International Phenomenon
Released in 2004, 'African Queen' transformed from a simple love song into a continental anthem that propelled 2Face into international stardom. The track's massive success earned the singer unprecedented recognition, including the BET Award, MTV Europe Award, and MOBO Award - marking the first time any African artist had achieved such international acclaim.
"African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me," 2Face stated during his television interview, mixing English and Pidgin to express his mixed feelings. "But I am grateful for everything." The song not only brought him fame and influence but also secured his place in music history.
Two Decades of Controversy and Recognition
Despite its monumental success, 'African Queen' has been shadowed by controversy for over twenty years. Former Plantashun Boiz bandmate Blackface has repeatedly claimed authorship of the song, creating one of Nigeria's longest-running music industry disputes. 2Face has consistently denied stealing the track, maintaining that the song originated from collaborative efforts during their time as a group.
The debate resurfaced dramatically in 2025 when Billboard magazine named 'African Queen' the 'Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time', reigniting public discussion about the song's origins. This prestigious recognition highlighted the track's enduring impact while simultaneously bringing the authorship controversy back into the spotlight.
Reflecting on his journey, 2Face acknowledged that the song gave him history, fame, recognition, and influence, but also came with arguments, accusations, and pressure that have followed him for more than two decades. Through all the challenges, the music icon emphasized his gratitude for the song that defined his career and changed African music forever.
