Veteran musician Innocent Ujah Idibia, professionally known as 2Baba, has issued a deeply emotional open letter in commemoration of his 25th anniversary in the music industry, expressing profound gratitude to the individuals and institutions that have shaped his illustrious career.
In the letter, titled “Open Letter of Gratitude – 2Baba @ 25 Years in the Industry,” the multiple award-winning artist reflected on his remarkable journey, describing it as one defined by “gratitude, memories, lessons, and love.”
“As I stand on the threshold of 25 years in this incredible journey called music, my heart is full of gratitude, memories, lessons, and love. This celebration is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who played a role in shaping the story of Innocent Idibia, 2Baba,” he wrote.
The music icon attributed his success to the unwavering support of those who believed in him, particularly during moments of uncertainty about his path and purpose.
2Baba extended special recognition to Nelson Brown, Baba Keke (Kenny Ogungbe), D1 (Dayo Adeneye), Eddie Lawani, and DJ Jimmy Jatt, acknowledging them as instrumental figures in his early career.
He credited Nelson Brown with discovering and nurturing Plantashun Boiz, the pioneering group he co-founded with Faze and Blackface, noting that Brown “saw light in the dream of three young men when no one else believed.”
“You gave us a voice when we barely had a microphone, a space when all we had was a dream,” he recalled.
The singer further lauded Baba Keke and D1 for their mentorship and for granting him his first professional recording deal, describing the experience as a life-changing moment that “transformed not only my life but also the landscape of Nigerian entertainment.”
“You opened doors that led us from dreams to destiny. We made history together; we won together. You stood as mentors and big brothers, and your names will forever be etched in my story,” he affirmed.
2Baba also expressed appreciation to Eddie Lawani for offering Plantashun Boiz one of their earliest performance platforms, emphasizing his enduring faith in their talent. Similarly, he praised DJ Jimmy Jatt for demonstrating steadfast support and loyalty from the earliest days of his career.
Describing the milestone as both a personal and collective celebration, 2Baba remarked that his success story would be incomplete without those who believed, corrected, and supported him throughout his journey.
“This anniversary is not just about me. It is about everyone who contributed to the evolution of Nigerian music, who believed in the dream and helped build what we all enjoy today,” he said.
Since embarking on his professional career in the late 1990s with Plantashun Boiz, 2Baba has evolved into one of Africa’s most influential and decorated musical figures, producing timeless classics such as African Queen, If Love Is a Crime, and For Instance.
Beyond his artistry, he has leveraged his platform to advocate for unity, love, and social transformation, using music and humanitarian initiatives to inspire positive change across the continent.#newsafro_
