Imagine a music icon from Nigeria boldly reclaiming a title tied to his greatest hit, but this time, it's sparking debates about love, loyalty, and second chances—welcome to the whirlwind world of 2Baba's latest announcement!
Nigerian music superstar 2Baba, often hailed as a pioneer in the Afrobeats genre—a vibrant style blending African rhythms with global beats—has stirred up quite the online frenzy with a surprising revelation that left fans buzzing. Currently enjoying time in the UK alongside his second wife, Natasha Osawaru, the artist went viral after a video emerged capturing him making a grand introduction at a bustling nightclub gathering.
In the clip that's now everywhere on social media, 2Baba takes the stage with a microphone, beaming with pride as he presents Natasha—a pregnant lawmaker from Edo State in Nigeria—to the enthusiastic crowd. "This is my African Queen," he proclaims, met with cheers and applause that echo through the venue. The scene feels charged with emotion and drama, especially when you consider the rich backstory of that iconic "African Queen" moniker.
To understand why this moment hits so hard, let's rewind to May 15, 2004, when 2Baba, then known as 2Face Idibia, dropped his unforgettable love ballad "African Queen." This track didn't just launch his solo career; it became a timeless classic, resonating with listeners worldwide for its heartfelt lyrics about devotion and romance. The music video featured his former wife, Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay, adding a layer of personal storytelling that made the song even more poignant. For beginners diving into Afrobeats, think of it as a genre that celebrates African culture through infectious beats—songs like this one often weave in themes of love and heritage, making them relatable across generations.
Fast-forward 21 years, and 2Baba's choice to bestow the "African Queen" title on Natasha feels like a nostalgic nod with a twist that's got everyone talking. It's a bold move, especially given the ups and downs of his past marriage to Annie, which ended in separation. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this a fresh start, or is it rubbing salt in old wounds? Fans are divided, with some hailing it as a celebration of new beginnings, while others question the timing and sensitivity.
Social media has exploded with reactions, as compiled by Legit.ng. Here's a glimpse into what netizens are saying:
realabike89 commented: "Men go stain ur white 😂." (A playful jab at the idea of moving on, using slang for 'stain' as in messing up.)
alaga_tohjoyful echoed: "Men go stain ur white sha." (Similar sentiment, emphasizing inevitability.)
juliet_sb712 added: "She don give us another face 😂😂😂 everybody shout mommmmaaaaaaa." (Referencing 2Baba's stage name and calling Natasha a 'mama' in excitement.)
pretty_queen1454 opined: "Man like 2face, Natasha is the right choice for him he. because she will not give him the chance to cheat." (Praising the match for potential stability.)
mummygiohusseinvblog remarked: "Natasha Natasha with the many faces I hail oooo who do this work for you sabi no be small as a man you say you sabi jump from one woman to another well you go jump enter the one wey go twist your destiny ire ooo." (A mix of admiration and warning about karma.)
chibekechi noted: "Him and Annie do pass lik dis." (Suggesting they've moved past issues.)
olorijolie joked: "African queen ordered from jumia😂😂😂." (Comparing it to online shopping, like Jumia, Nigeria's e-commerce giant.)
oyinniwura1 said: "I don’t want whatever is wrong with both of them." (Expressing disinterest in the drama.)
paulynnath pondered: "What could Annie have done to him so bad that even though they have parted ways he threw away all the good times and years spent together that he resulted to this without conscience?it’s a mystery to me,not saying he can’t love again or move on but why all these?" (Questioning the public nature of the announcement.)
kessyvincent predicted: "There Will still be another African Queen on his 55th birthday. 60th Will still unveil another African Queen." (Skeptical about longevity.)
uzomamaka_amerndarl observed: "I’ve never seen online trolls for Tuface matter…una talk say e no Dey dance on IG with him new wife but waiting be this? I Dey wait make una start the trolling 😁😂😂 until una start to Dey differentiate between REALITY and Social media I go begin Dey take una serious." (Calling out hypocrisy in online criticism.)
itsfyne stated: "We know the real African queen so all this na chochocho." (Insisting Annie is the true one, using slang for 'nonsense.')
trillion_fabric quipped: "If na so love they take expire abeg make that love avoid me 😂😂😂😂." (Humorously wishing to avoid fleeting love.)
soniaposh_ concluded: "Nne idibia you won 😂😂😂he is your man pls let him rest small." (Congratulating Annie on 'winning' the narrative.)
And this is the part most people miss... While some see this as empowering, others argue it diminishes the original song's legacy, turning a romantic anthem into a point of contention. Is 2Baba rewriting his own story, or is this a subtle dig at his ex? For instance, in cultures where music and personal life intertwine, such moves can symbolize rebirth, but they also invite scrutiny about respect and timing.
Earlier, Legit.ng covered how 2Baba and Natasha made waves at another event, where her outfit—a striking ensemble—drew even more attention, highlighting the couple's growing public presence.
What do you think? Does 2Baba deserve a fresh chapter, or is this announcement insensitive to Annie? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the fans calling it bold, or do you side with those questioning the motives? Let's discuss!
