Legendary Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has penned an emotional open letter to mark his 25th anniversary in the music industry, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shaped his remarkable journey.
Titled “Open Letter of Gratitude 2Baba @ 25 Years in the Industry,” the multi-award-winning artist reflected on his career, the people who supported him, and the lessons learned along the way.
He described his journey as one filled with “gratitude, memories, lessons, and love,” acknowledging that his success would not have been possible without the faith and support of those who stood by him.
“As I stand on the threshold of 25 years in this incredible journey called music, my heart is full of gratitude. This celebration is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who played a role in shaping the story of Innocent Idibia, 2Baba,” he wrote.
In the letter, 2Baba highlighted industry figures who were pivotal to his rise, including Nelson Brown, Baba Keke (Kenny Ogungbe), D1 (Dayo Adeneye), Eddie Lawani, and DJ Jimmy Jatt. He credited Nelson Brown for believing in Plantashun Boiz, the trio that launched his career alongside Faze and Blackface.
“You were the first to see 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 wrote.
He also praised Baba Keke and D1 as mentors who opened professional doors that forever changed the trajectory of his career and the Nigerian entertainment scene.
“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 said.
2Baba extended appreciation to Eddie Lawani for providing a platform for Plantashun Boiz to showcase their talent when opportunities were scarce, and lauded DJ Jimmy Jatt for his unwavering loyalty and support from the early days of his career.
He emphasized that the milestone is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to everyone who contributed to the growth and global recognition of Nigerian music.
“Without the people who believed, corrected, and supported me, my story would have been incomplete,” he said.
From his early beginnings in the late 1990s with Plantashun Boiz to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated music icons, 2Baba’s legacy includes timeless hits such as African Queen, If Love Is a Crime, and For Instance.