2Baba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
MON
2Baba
|
|
|---|---|
2face at the release of his album, The Ascension (2014)
|
|
| Born |
Innocent Ujah Idibia
18 September 1975 Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
|
| Other names |
|
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Annie Macaulay
(m. 2012) |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
| Labels | Hypertek Digital Plantashun Boyz (former) |
Innocent Ujah Idibia (born September 18, 1975), known as 2Baba, is a famous Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was once known as 2Face Idibia. Many people see him as one of the most important and best Afrobeats artists ever. He helped shape Nigerian pop music in the 2000s.
2Baba won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2005. In 2019, he worked with Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo on a song. This song helped people learn about children's rights.
Contents
Becoming a Music Star: 2Baba's Journey
Early Life and School Days
2Baba was born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, on September 18, 1975. His family comes from the Idoma group in Benue State. He went to Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School in Makurdi. Later, he studied Business Administration at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (IMT).
Even though he was studying, 2Baba decided to follow his dream of making music. By 1996, he was already writing songs. He also recorded short musical advertisements called jingles. He first used the stage name "2Face" to keep his personal life separate from his music career. In 2016, he changed his name to "2Baba."
Starting His Music Career
While at IMT, 2Baba began his music journey. He performed with Blackface Naija, who was his classmate from secondary school. They later joined with Faze to form a group called Plantashun Boiz.
The band released two albums: Body and Soul in 2000 and Sold Out in 2003. They worked with a record label called Dove Records. In 2004, the band members decided to go their separate ways. 2Baba then started his solo music career.
Solo Success and New Music
In 2004, 2Baba released his first solo album, Face 2 Face. Music critics loved it, and it was called one of the best first albums by a Nigerian solo artist in the 21st century. His second album, Grass 2 Grace, came out in 2006.
After these albums, he left his old record label and started his own. He named it Hypertek Digital. In 2009, he released an album called The Unstoppable. An international version of this album came out in 2010. This international version won two awards at the 2010 SoundCity Music Video Awards.
2Baba's Impact and Awards
Awards and Honors
2Baba has won many awards during his career. These include the MTV Europe Music Award and the World Music Award. He also won five Headies Awards for Song of the Year. Other awards include four Channel O Music Video Awards and a BET Award.
He has also been honored at the MTV Africa Music Awards and the Music of Black Origin Awards. The Kora Awards and the 2019 'Afrima Legend Award' also recognized his talent. In 2015, he was added to "The Headies Hall of Fame." In 2022, he joined the 'Music Legends Hall of Fame' in Ghana.
Giving Back and Helping Others
In May 2016, 2Baba received an honorary Master of Arts degree in Music from Igbinedion University in Nigeria. In March 2019, he was named a Fellow of the School of Music at Obafemi Awolowo University.
In January 2017, he announced that he would work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He gave money to help people who had to leave their homes. He also started the "Vote Not Fight" campaign. This campaign helps teach young people about peaceful elections.
2Baba has also been an ambassador for many companies. He worked with Guinness in 2005 and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in 2009. He also worked with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and Campari, an Italian drink company.
Special Concerts and Foundations
To celebrate his 40th birthday, 2Baba organized a special concert called the FORTYfied All-Star Tribute Concert. It took place on September 20, 2015. Many stars performed, and it was a big success.
2Baba also started the "Buckwyld and Breathless" concert series. He founded the 2Baba Foundation, which used to be called the "2Face Reach Out Foundation." These projects show his dedication to music and helping others.
2Baba's Albums
- Face 2 Face (2004)
- Grass 2 Grace (2006)
- The Unstoppable (2009)
- The Unstoppable International Edition (2010)
- Away and Beyond (2012)
- The Ascension (2014)
- Rewind, Select, Update (2015)
- Warriors (2020)
See also
- List of Nigerian musicians
