- 2Baba’s legendary stance in Nigerian Afrobeats music is inevitably significant
- The iconic singer has several classic hits to his credit and exports of Afrobeats globally
- This article spotlights 20 unforgettable hits by the ‘African Queen’ crooner
The evolution and history of Afrobeats aside from the pioneer, Fela Kuti, will not be complete without the mention of Legendary singer and songwriter, 2baba formerly known as Tuface Idibia.
The Afrobeats icon is credited to numerous outstanding impacts in shaping Afrobeats in Nigeria. He stands out for his exceptional talent and unforgettable contribution that makes him ‘a living legend’ in the Nigerian music industry.
For over two decades, Tuface captivated his fans home and abroad with his unique songwriting and melodious vocals. He is arguably one of the greatest artiste that the Nigerian music industry has.
Recently, the legend started trending on X (formerly Twitter) on August 8, as many fans acknowledged his unmatched lyrics, personality and discography that has stood the test of time.
TheRadar in that light analyzed 20 unforgettable classic hit songs by the iconic singer and Afrobeats legend.
20 evergreen songs by 2baba
- African queen - (2004)
‘African Queen’ is 2Baba’s most iconic song ever in Africa. Highlighting the beauty of African women and the uniqueness of their skin, the hit song is unforgettable through two decades and the Nigerian music scene. The song got Tu baba an international fame that solidified him as a unique African songwriter. Notably, the song was first aired on MTV Base when it launched in Africa in 2005.
- Implication - (2012)
This is another unforgettable hit off his ‘Unstoppable’ album. Bursting through stereos and moving deets to dance across the country, the song ‘Implication’ became one of his biggest hits reinforcing his hit-making abilities as an Afrobeats artiste.
- Only me - (2010)
In ‘Only Me,’ Tubaba explored a thought-provoking social commentary approach to deliver a Stellar and smashing hit song. His penmanship shined in the lyrics and his vocals flowed with seamlessly genre mixing beats. If effortlessly was a person, Tu baba wore the hat perfectly on this unforgettable hit.
- Amaka feat Peruzzi - (2020)
The popular line ‘Amaka disappoint me’ is unforgettable in Tu baba’s ‘Amaka’ featuring Peruzzi. It was amazing to watch Peruzzi team with Tu baba, one of the many artistes that inspired his music career. Together, they made a hit with ‘Amaka.’
- If love is a crime - (2006)
2baba dropped this single ‘If love is a crime’ off his second solo album ‘Grass 2 Grace.’ The unforgettable hit professes a deep love for his lover and willingness to go extreme miles to be with her. ‘And if Love is a crime, I like to dey go jail.’ he professed. The powerful love song captivated fans with its release in 2006 under Kennis Music.
- True love - (2006)
The track True Love was also off 2baba’s Grass to Grace solo album in 2006. This romantic-themed song serenades and professes love for his lover. He tells her she is the only one he loves. The song revolves around the quest for true—someone to love him for him.
- Bother you - (2012)
Featuring Terry Tha Rapman, 2baba takes listeners on a tale of trust and love between lovers in Bother You. It is premised on ignoring hearsay in relationships to trust each other. The RnB genre track narrates a heartfelt love story. See this is about loving and loving is about trusting, his lyrics says.
- You no holy pass - (2004)
Known for his lyrical depth, You no Holy Pass by 2baba reminds people about criticism. How it is always easy to point fingers at people but forget that sometimes people are guilty of the same crime they accuse others of. The mid-paced hip-hop song leaves listeners with introspective thoughts about themselves and how they treat other people.
- Ole - (2004)
One beautiful thing about 2baba songs that make it outstanding is the flair to use poetic expression and metaphors. This is seen in Ole, a Yoruba phrase that means thief. Away from it literal meaning, 2baba expresses how his lover has stolen his heart and how much he yearns for her. The track was released in 2004 under Kennis Music Records.
- See Me So - (2006)
Here, 2baba’s R&B track See Me So shares his open-mindedness in relating with people. How he doesn’t have to relate with everyone but it also doesn't mean he hates them. He sees everyone as a brother because in the end, they only got each other. The lyrics are inspiring and uplifting for listeners. Above all, the relevance knows no bounds.
- Feeling you - (2008)
- Dance in the rain - (2012)
- Be there - (2010)
- Fly - (2008)
- Enter the Place - (2008)
- Take it back - (2008)
- Right here - (2004)
- Rainbow - (2012)
- Raindrops - (2012)
- Ihe Neme - (2012)
Top 6 nostalgic Afrobeats samples of 2024
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that song sampling, which involves reusing portions of existing recordings in new compositions, had become a permanent fixture.
Popular Afrobeats stars regularly infused their songs with nostalgic sounds that have historical or cultural resonance. Some songs which were released in 2024 that sampled old Nigerian songs include Olamide’s Morowore, Tems’ Love Me JeJe, and Adekunle Gold’s Rodo.
This attempt to pay homage to music legends and Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and, most importantly, preserve the genre's roots through long-forgotten songs. It also means to reintroduce classic Afrobeats songs to the young and new generation of listeners.
