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Innocent Ujah Idibia: The Early Days of an African Music Icon

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The image shows Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba or 2Face Idibia, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential Afro-pop artists. Captured in 1995 when he was just 20 years old, the photograph offers a rare glimpse into the early life of a man who would go on to redefine contemporary African music.

2Baba, born on September 18, 1975, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, hails from the Idoma ethnic group in Benue State. His passion for music began in his teenage years, and his journey to stardom started while he was a student at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu. During this period, he performed at local events and clubs, steadily building a reputation for his smooth vocals and thought-provoking lyrics.

He first gained national attention as a member of the Plantashun Boyz, a group he co-founded with fellow artists Blackface and Faze in the late 1990s. The group became a symbol of the growing Nigerian pop movement, producing hits that resonated across the country. After the group disbanded, 2Baba launched a solo career that quickly catapulted him to international fame.

Over the years, he has become one of Africa’s most decorated musicians, earning multiple awards including the MTV Europe Music Award, BET Award, Channel O Music Video Award, and Headies. His timeless hit “African Queen” remains a defining song in the Afrobeat and Afro-pop genres, blending soulful melody with African rhythms and global appeal.

Beyond music, 2Baba is also a respected entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist. He established the 2Baba Foundation, which focuses on peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and good governance. His influence extends beyond entertainment, as he continues to advocate for social change and national unity.

In recognition of his impact, a biography titled “A Very Good Bad Guy: The Story of Innocent 2Face Idibia” was published in his honor. The book chronicles his musical journey, personal struggles, and triumphs, cementing his status as a living legend in African music history.

The 1995 photograph stands as a reminder of his humble beginnings—a young dreamer from Benue who rose to become one of Africa’s most enduring voices.

Sources:

Pulse Nigeria: “A Very Good Bad Guy: The Story of 2Face Idibia” (2015)

The Guardian Nigeria: “2Baba: Two Decades of Impact and Influence” (2021)

BBC Africa: “2Face Idibia: The African Queen of Afrobeat” (2020)

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‘I’m honored’ -Actor Ninalowo Gets Role To Mobilize Atlanta Support For Tinubu’s Re-Election

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Bolanle Ninalowo has been named the Atlanta, USA, coordinator for Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), a group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The actor expressed excitement over the appointment, posting images that included the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo and Nigerian symbols to encourage support from the diaspora community.

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‘The conflict is behind us’ – Churchill confirms reconciliation with Tonto Dike

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Olakunle Churchill, ex-husband of actress Tonto Dike, has confirmed reconciling with her ten years after their messy divorce.

Ekwutosblog reports that Tonto Dike had on Saturday announced a reconciliation with Churchill, described the development as an end to their 10 years of online battles.

Reacting to the actress’ reconciliation post on his Instagram page on Sunday, Churchill said “The conflict is behind us.”

 

While expressing surprise after years of separation from his son, he noted that the purpose of their reconciliation is to  co-parent, and not to be as a couple.

“I was surprised when I received a call for the first time from my son, calling me “Daddy” was deeply touching & a reminder that what God can not do does not exist.

The conflict is behind us. We’re now focused on co parenting with love, care, & a shared commitment to raising our son. I look forward to a future filled with collaboration, respect, and peace trusting God to guide me,” he said.

Ekwutosblog reports that Tonto Dikeh got married to Churchill in August 2015, and welcomed their son, King Andre, in February 2016.

The actress who was rumoured to have left Churchill barely two years after their marriage, officially announced her divorce in July 2017 over alleged infidelity and domestic violence.

They have constantly engaged in online altercations since their controversial split.

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Peace Has Replaced Chaos – Tonto Dikeh Confirms Reconciliation With Ex-Husband, Churchill After 10 Years Of Public Feud

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Nollywood actress and politician Tonto Dikeh has reconciled with her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, bringing an end to their decade-long public feud.

Tonto and Churchill were married in 2015, but their union collapsed less than two years later amid allegations of infidelity, intense public controversy and child custody battles.

In an emotional post shared on her Facebook page, Tonto attributed the reconciliation to divine intervention, humility and sustained prayers, stressing that what human efforts could not repair was healed through faith and obedience to God.

While describing the reunion as a divine restoration after years of public conflict and separation, Tonto Dikeh said peace has replaced chaos after nearly a decade of dispute, bitterness and broken communication.

According to the movie star, the renewed relationship was built on humility, forgiveness and love for their child, and encouraged people facing similar challenges not to lose hope.

She wrote, “We are living proof that the Word of God is eternal and unfailing. God is not a God who abandons what He has started. When He begins a work, He stays with it until it is completed.

“After ten long years of public battles, deep wounds, broken communication, bitterness, and pain, God stepped in. What looked ugly, impossible, and beyond repair has been touched by mercy. Peace has replaced chaos. Respect has returned where anger once lived. What human effort could not fix, God healed by salvation, humility, and the sincere prayers of a child.

“This restoration is not by might, not by wisdom, not by strength but by the Spirit of the Lord. When God moves, the human mind cannot comprehend the process. He softens hearts, silences the enemy, and rewrites stories that looked finished. Every plan of darkness has failed. Stubbornness has bowed. Pride has melted. Love has found its voice again for my child.

“I am deeply grateful to the father of my child Dr kunle for yielding to God’s word and choosing peace. Obedience to God always births restoration, even when the road has been long and painful. To anyone standing where I once stood, tired, wounded, misunderstood, and believing nothing good can come out of the situation.please hear this: God has not abandoned you. Your story is not over. What He has started, He will surely perfect. Keep praying. Keep choosing love. Keep trusting God even when it hurts.

“May this restored relationship remain built on the solid rock of God’s mercy, protection, grace, and mighty hand. May it stand as a living testimony that God never fails, never forgets, and never walks away from His own. If God did it for us, He can do it for you. To my spiritual father, Papa, thank you for grooming a God-fearing, impact-making woman out of a Total Mess.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT5df1YiIG9/?igsh=bnhyczJ0M3AxNmN4

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