Blackface Recalls Early Friendship With 2Baba, Expresses Disappointment Over Their Relationship

Veteran Nigerian musician Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, popularly known as Blackface, has previously recalled how the mother of his former music partner, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, thanked him for being a friend to her son during their early days.

Blackface made the remarks during an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast in October 2023, where he reflected on their friendship and expressed disappointment over what he perceived as 2Baba’s reluctance to discuss their shared history during interviews.

According to Blackface, 2Baba’s mother once expressed appreciation for his friendship with her son, saying she was happy about the positive influence their relationship appeared to have had on him.

The singer’s recollection has drawn renewed attention to the complicated relationship between the former bandmates, whose musical journey helped shape an important chapter in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.

How Plantashun Boiz Began

Blackface, 2Baba and Chibuzor Oji, popularly known as Faze, formed Plantashun Boiz around 2000. The group became popular for its blend of R&B, hip-hop and Afropop, earning a loyal following during the early years of Nigeria’s contemporary music boom.

Their music helped establish the three performers as notable names in the industry before they eventually went their separate ways to pursue individual careers.

Blackface has previously spoken about his role in bringing the group together, recalling how he recognised 2Baba’s vocal talent during their school days and believed he had the potential to succeed in music.

He has also discussed his decision to bring Faze into the group, explaining that he admired his vocals and personality.

According to Blackface, he initially invested his own money in studio sessions before the group began generating income from its music.

His recollections have continued to fuel discussions about the contributions each member made to the group’s success.

The ‘African Queen’ Controversy

Despite their early achievements, Blackface and 2Baba have experienced years of public disagreement, particularly over the hit song African Queen, which became one of 2Baba’s signature records.

Blackface has repeatedly maintained that he wrote the song and has raised concerns about the recognition and credit he believes he deserves.

The dispute has generated considerable debate among music fans and industry observers, with the former collaborators addressing aspects of the controversy in interviews over the years.

The disagreement has also highlighted the challenges that can emerge when former creative partners have different views about songwriting, ownership and recognition.

Although the controversy has remained part of their public history, it is only one aspect of a relationship that began long before either musician achieved widespread fame.

Blackface and 2Baba Reconciled in 2021

The relationship between the two musicians has not been defined entirely by disagreements.

In 2021, Blackface publicly described his reconciliation with 2Baba as genuine, dismissing suggestions that their renewed understanding was merely for public attention.

The reconciliation followed efforts to encourage the former bandmates to put their differences behind them, including a tribute event held in honour of late Nigerian singer Sound Sultan.

Blackface expressed the view that holding grudges was unhelpful and indicated that he wanted peace between himself and his former colleague.

However, their reconciliation did not necessarily mean that every professional disagreement or personal concern had been permanently resolved.

Their subsequent comments and the continuing public interest in their relationship have kept questions about their shared past alive.

Blackface’s ‘The Return’ Project

In January 2025, Blackface reportedly disclosed that 2Baba had not participated in his The Return album, a project connected to the Plantashun Boiz legacy.

Blackface said Faze featured on the project, while 2Baba did not take part.

The development renewed discussions about whether the three musicians could collaborate again and revisit the music that first brought them together.

For fans who grew up listening to Plantashun Boiz, the prospect of hearing the former members work together remains appealing. However, their individual careers and differing positions have made the possibility of a reunion uncertain.

2Baba’s Position on a Reunion

The prospect of a Plantashun Boiz reunion has continued to attract attention, but 2Baba has reportedly indicated that he has moved on from that chapter of his career.

His reported position has raised questions about whether the group will ever reunite for a new project or a joint performance.

While fans may wish to see the three musicians share a stage again, a reunion would depend on the willingness of all the former members to participate.

For now, their shared catalogue remains a reminder of the musical chemistry that helped make Plantashun Boiz a memorable name in Nigerian music.

Can the Former Friends Move Forward?

Blackface’s recollection of the friendship he once shared with 2Baba highlights the personal relationships that often underpin successful musical partnerships.

Their journey began with shared ambitions and a passion for music. Over time, disagreements about credit, recognition and their individual careers became part of their public story.

Although they have previously reconciled, Blackface’s reported concerns about how their relationship is discussed publicly show why their history continues to generate interest.

Whether another conversation could lead to renewed collaboration remains uncertain. Any resolution would ultimately depend on both musicians and their willingness to address the issues that have followed them over the years.

Their story also raises a broader question about the importance of acknowledging the people who contributed to an artist’s early journey, even when professional relationships change.