‘AFRICAN QUEEN HAS BEEN A BLESSING AND A CURSE’ – 2Face Idibia Opens Up
The legendary singer acknowledges the song that propelled him to international fame also became a "problem," referencing the decades-long authorship controversy with former bandmate Blackface.
Nigerian music icon Innocent “2Face” Idibia has offered a candid reflection on his career-defining hit, “African Queen,” describing it as both a monumental blessing and a significant burden.
In a recent interview, the singer acknowledged the track’s unparalleled role in his success while alluding to the persistent controversies that have shadowed it. “African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me. But I am grateful for everything,” 2Face stated.
Released in 2004, “African Queen” was the catalyst that launched 2Face into international stardom, making him the first African artist to win BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO awards. The song’s soulful melody and poignant lyrics cemented its status as an enduring classic.
However, its success has been perpetually accompanied by claims from his former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Blackface, who alleges that 2Face stole the song. While 2Face has previously admitted the song was originally a collaboration, he has consistently denied stealing it.
The legacy of “African Queen” returned to the spotlight recently after Billboard named it the “greatest Afrobeats song of all time” in August 2025, reigniting the long-standing debate over its authorship. 2Face’s latest comments capture the complex duality of a song that brought him global fame but also a lifelong, contentious dispute.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
