Not many are aware that super star, Innocent Idibia otherwise known as 2Baba Idibia has an autobiography. Surprisingly, he does have. Written by Ayeni
Not many are aware that super star, Innocent Idibia otherwise known as 2Baba Idibia has an autobiography. Surprisingly, he does have. Written by Ayeni Adekunle, the founder of NET Limited, owners of THENETNG, Newsroom and NECLive, who was once 2Baba’s publicist, the book was written in commemoration of the singer and song writer’s 40th birthday in 2015.
The book, ‘A Very Good Bad guy: The Story Of Innocent 2Face Idibia;, contains a detailed interview with 2face, his lyrics and discography, views from some of those who have shaped his life and career, an insider’s journey through his life and times, as well as a collection of some of the most important articles, reviews, features and news about him since 2004. The book at the time of its release, up till date, is first of its kind for a Nigerian pop artiste and indeed, for a contemporary Nigerian musician.
Perhaps greatly influenced by the music genes his mother failed to put to use, Innocent Idibia lived all his early life in of Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria itching for music and trying to convince his parents to allow him pursue his dream. Born in tin mining city of Jos, Plateau State, on September 18, 1975 to Michael and Rose Idibia, both indigenes of Benue state (a region noted for its passion for farming from where 2Face and his ex-partner Blackface would later derive their group name, Plantashun Boyz), 2Face and his immediate family could never have imagined the enormous fame and fortune music would bring his way few decades later.
Today, almost 20 years after he stopped his tertiary education (at the Institute of Management Studies & Technology (IMT), Enugu) midway to come to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial port city, to face music, Idibia stands not only as the nation’s most iconic pop act, but her greatest pop star ever. He’s easily the most revered and most inspiring contemporary singer across Africa. From a young greenhorn, who arrived Lagos in 1997, barely able to make ends meet and unable to afford studio sessions to complete a debut album with his ex-group, Plantashun Boyz, Idibia has grown to become one of Nigeria’s most successful artistes, selling over 10 million copies of his debut solo album, ‘Face 2 face’ and his follow-up, ‘Grass to Grace’, both released on Kennis Music.
Since the release of his debut solo album on May 15, 2004, 2Face Idibia has rekindled fading hopes in the Nigerian music industry, and refreshed the dwindling patronage for local Nigerian music. Many of today’s pop stars continue to thank him for lighting the path and showing that it can be done. But it’s been a turbulent career, as ‘A Very Good bad Guy’: The Story of Innocent 2Face Idibia will reveal.
