2Face Idibia Reflects on “African Queen” as Both Blessing and Burden

Nigerian music legend 2Face Idibia has opened up about the complex impact of his 2004 hit song “African Queen,” describing it as both a blessing and a burden over his decades-long career. The song propelled him to international fame, earning multiple awards and solidifying his status as one of Africa’s leading music exports.

Despite its success, the song has been surrounded by controversy, with 2Baba’s former bandmate Blackface claiming he stole it—a claim 2Baba has consistently denied, insisting it was a collaborative effort during their band days.

Speaking on the Entertainment & Lifestyle show, 2Face said he remains grateful for the song’s influence but emphasized that he has many other works that resonate strongly with fans. The legacy of “African Queen” was recently reaffirmed when Billboard named it the “Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time.”

Written by Adeyemi Adewale