By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
2Face Idibia Says ‘African Queen’ Is Both a Blessing and a Burden
Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has reflected on the impact of his timeless hit song “African Queen,” describing it as both a blessing and a burden in his musical journey.
Speaking on a recent episode of an Entertainment & Lifestyle show, 2Face admitted that while the song brought him global fame and recognition, it has also carried its share of challenges over the years.
“African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me. But I am grateful for everything,” he said.
Released in 2004, African Queen became the breakout song that launched 2Face into international prominence, earning him major awards such as BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO, making him one of the first African artists to achieve that feat.
Despite its success, the song has long been trailed by controversy. 2Face’s former bandmate, Blackface, has repeatedly accused him of stealing the song, claiming sole ownership of its composition.
2Face, however, clarified in an earlier interview that African Queen was a joint effort during their time as members of the defunct group Plantashun Boiz, dismissing the theft allegations.
The dispute resurfaced in August 2025, when Billboard ranked African Queen as the “Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time.” The recognition reignited debates about the song’s authorship, nearly two decades after its release.
Despite the lingering controversies, African Queen remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic love songs, cementing 2Face’s legacy as one of the pillars of contemporary Afrobeats.
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