A Quarter Century of Legends: 2Baba Pens Heartfelt Open Letter Marking 25 Years in Music, Declares Success is Incomplete Without Supporters

Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, is celebrating a landmark moment 25 years in the music industry. To mark this extraordinary milestone, the award-winning artist penned an emotional open letter titled “Open Letter of Gratitude 2Baba @ 25 Years in the Industry.” The heartfelt note goes beyond a simple celebration of longevity; it’s a profound reflection on gratitude, mentorship, and the community that helped shape his legendary career.
2Baba’s message is one of humility and shared glory. He began his letter by acknowledging the countless individuals who played vital roles in his success, from mentors and colleagues to fans and supporters. “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.
He went on to emphasize that his achievements are the result of collective effort rather than individual triumph. “Without the people who believed, corrected, and supported me, my story would have been incomplete,” he added. The statement captures the essence of his legacy—one built not just on hits and awards but on the foundation of community and collaboration.
In the letter, 2Baba also took time to honor several mentors and industry pioneers who guided his early steps. He credited Nelson Brown, the producer who discovered Plantashun Boiz, for giving him and his groupmates Faze and Blackface their first major platform. “You were the first to see light in the dream… You gave us a voice when we barely had a microphone,” he wrote in appreciation.
He also paid tribute to entertainment icons Kenny Ogungbe (Baba Keke) and Dayo Adeneye (D1), describing them as “big brothers” who opened professional doors that forever changed his career trajectory. Additionally, he acknowledged Eddie Lawani for providing opportunities to perform and grow during his early days, as well as DJ Jimmy Jatt for his unwavering loyalty and support through the years.
2Baba’s open letter serves not just as a personal reflection but as a history lesson in Nigerian music evolution. From his early days with Plantashun Boiz in the late 1990s to his solo classics such as “African Queen,” “If Love Is a Crime,” and “Only Me,” 2Baba has become one of Africa’s most enduring voices. His message of gratitude reminds both old and new artists that no success story is truly self-made—it is the product of faith, mentorship, and community.
The “2Baba 25 Years in Music Gratitude” moment isn’t just a celebration of a man’s career; it is a recognition of how far Nigerian music has come and the people who built the foundation for its global rise.
