Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba
Veteran Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has shared a deeply emotional open letter to commemorate his 25 years in the music industry, expressing heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been part of his remarkable journey.
In the message titled “ _Open Letter of Gratitude – 2Baba @ 25 Years in the Industry”,_ the multi-award-winning artist looked back on his musical path, filled with memories, lessons, and love.
“As I stand on the threshold of 25 years in this incredible journey called music, my heart is full of gratitude, memories, lessons, and love,” he wrote.
“This celebration is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who played a role in shaping the story of Innocent Idibia, 2Baba.”
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, 2Baba paid tribute to those who helped shape his success.
He mentioned Nelson Brown, Baba Keke (Kenny Ogungbe), D1 (Dayo Adeneye), Eddie Lawani, and DJ Jimmy Jatt as some of the figures who played key roles in his early career.
He praised Nelson Brown for discovering and believing in Plantashun Boiz, the group that kick-started his career alongside Faze and Blackface.
“You were the first to see light in the dream of three young men when no one else believed,” he said.
“You gave us a voice when we barely had a microphone, a space when all we had was a dream.”
2Baba also expressed deep gratitude to Baba Keke and D1, describing them as mentors who offered him his first professional record deal—an opportunity he said transformed not only his life but also the Nigerian music scene.
“You opened doors that led us from dreams to destiny; we made history together. You stood as mentors and big brothers, and your names will forever be etched in my story,” he wrote.
He further thanked Eddie Lawani for providing a platform that allowed Plantashun Boiz to showcase their talent at a time when the industry offered limited opportunities, noting that Lawani’s faith in their craft never wavered.
In addition, he lauded DJ Jimmy Jatt for his loyalty and unwavering support since the early days of his career.
As one of Africa’s most celebrated and influential musicians, 2Baba described this milestone not merely as a personal achievement but as a collective celebration of everyone who has contributed to the growth of Nigerian music.
“Without the people who believed, corrected, and supported me, my story would have been incomplete,” he noted.
From his early days with Plantashun Boiz in the late 1990s to his solo success with timeless classics such as “African Queen,” “If Love Is a Crime,” and “For Instance,” 2Baba has remained a pillar of African music. Beyond his artistry, he continues to use his platform to promote unity, love, and social change through his music and humanitarian work.
