2face Idibia turns 41 today
Innocent Ujah Idibia (born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria), better known by his stage name 2face Idibia, or 2Baba, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur. He officially discontinued the use of the name Tuface and selected 2baba or Tu-baba as his stage name. He is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa. He is also one of the most bankable artists in Africa.
2Face has received one MTV Europe Music Award, one World Music Award, five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Video Awards and one BET award for his musical work, four MTV Africa Music Awards, one MOBO award, one KORA award, and numerous additional nominations.
2Baba had a ‘FortYfied’ birthday celebration last year, marking his 40th with a series of events that included a Red Cross Support Day, book presentation and an All Star Tribute Concert that happened on September 20, 2015 at Eko Hotels in Lagos. The FORTYfied All-Star Tribute Concert, stylized as #FORTYfied, was an all-star tribute concert organized by 2Baba to celebrate his 40th birthday and influence in the music of Nigeria. Hosted by Basketmouth, the STAR Lager Beer-sponsored concert was held on 20 September 2015 at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre. The concert was attended by dignitaries and featured performances from notable musicians including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Timaya, D’banj, Sound Sultan, Patoranking, Vector tha Viper, Wande Coal and Seyi Shay.
2Baba as he is called nowadays, has continued to release hits. In 2016, he released Officially Blind, Babylon featuring M.I Abaga, Mr Senator which was initially a leak and most recently Oya Come Make We Go which featured Sauti Sol. 2baba was honoured by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on behalf of the AFRIMA (All Africa Music Award) and had his musical works will be unveiled at the Grammy Museum’s new exhibit dubbed ‘Sounds of Africa’ in downtown Los Angeles.
2Baba released his debut solo album Face 2 Face in 2004. He released his second album Grass 2 Grace in 2006 which contained hits “One Love”, “True Love.
In 2006, his song “African Queen” was used in the soundtrack for the film Phat Girlz, which was released internationally.
He released a promotion album in 2008 called The Unstoppable releasing the single “Enter the Place”. He has also released 2 other albums
- 2012: Away & Beyond
- 2014: The Ascension
2Baba has established an NGO called 2Face Idibia Reach-Out Foundation, whose motto is “service to humanity”.
In 2009, 2Face was appointed as ambassador by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. He released a song “Man Unkind” to raise awareness on the menace of fake and sub-standard food and drug products in Nigeria. In 2009, he was presented with the prestigious International Youth Ambassador for Peace Summit and the Nigeria Youth Merit Award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to youth development in Nigeria. 2face is presently one of the Judges in The Voice Nigeria, along side other artists like Timi Dakolo, Patoraking and Waje.
2Baba is happily married to Annie Macaulay with kids.
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