Face 2 Face by 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia) arrived at a time when Nigerian pop was finding its global voice. In 2004, under Kennis Music, the artist charmingly introduced himself, along with a new era.

Before Face 2 Face, 2Baba was a member of the influential Nigerian group Plantashun Boiz, alongside Blackface and Faze. The group was popular in the late 1900s and early 2000s, releasing albums like Body and Soul (2000) and Sold Out (2003). After the group disbanded, 2Baba pursued a solo career, and Face 2 Face was his first major solo project.

Few Nigerian artists had managed to blend local sounds with international appeal so seamlessly. Fusing Afropop, reggae, and R&B, the album creates a sound that is distinctly African yet universally relatable. It is raw, melodic, and an authentic reflection of Nigerian life, love, and hustle.

2Baba’s lyrical style is conversational and poetic, weaving Pidgin English with smooth vocals. His ability to tell diverse stories makes the album feel like a diary of the modern African experience.

The crown jewel of the album, African Queen, became an instant classic! It is arguably 2baba’s most iconic track, really. Produced by OJB Jezreel and 2Baba himself, the song is a heartfelt tribute to African women. With lines like “You are my African Queen, the girl of my dreams…” 2Baba captured the essence of admiration and pride.

The song’s memorable guitar riffs and lush instrumentation make it a wedding favourite, a radio staple, and a global love poem. It even featured in the Hollywood film Phat Girlz, giving Nigerian music a rare moment on the international stage.

Tracklist Highlights

This 10-track album, with some versions including bonus tracks or remixes, showcases 2Baba’s versatility as a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. It celebrates love in all forms, addresses societal issues, and delivers humor and critique:

  • Nfana Ibaga (No Problem)
  • Ole – feat. Freestyle Essien
  • Right Here
  • Holy (Skit)
  • Odi Ya – feat Blackface Naija.
  • Keep On Rockin’ – feat. Lil Seal & Da Natives
  • Police (Skit), Thank you Lord, and U No Holy Pass

Face 2 Face crowns him a symbol of artistic integrity. The album’s success paved the way for the Afrobeats explosion that followed. Artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have all cited 2Baba as a major influence, proving that Nigerian music could be both deeply local and globally resonant. 

This impact extended beyond charts. The album became a commercial hit, selling millions of copies across Nigeria and beyond. This earned him numerous awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2005.  It shaped how African artists saw themselves and their potential.

Two decades gone, and we’re still reminded of how far Nigerian music has come and how one voice can shift an entire culture. If you’ve never listened to it all the way through, do yourself a favour and press play. This album is a nostalgic masterpiece!

Can’t get enough? Explore urbancentral.medium for more.