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)

This photograph captures a remarkable moment from the 1964 Miss Universe pageant, showcasing contestants from around the world dressed in traditional attire representing their nations. Among the women in the image are Miss Israel, Miss England, Miss Norway, Miss Holland, Miss Nigeria, and Miss Sweden—each proudly embodying the cultural heritage of her homeland.

Standing out among them is Miss Nigeria, Edna Park, who made history as the first Nigerian woman to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. Her participation marked a milestone in Nigeria’s representation on the global stage, symbolizing a growing international recognition of African beauty, elegance, and cultural pride during the post-independence era.

The 1964 Miss Universe competition was held in Miami, Florida, United States, attracting contestants from across the globe. The event celebrated grace, intellect, and cross-cultural exchange, showcasing national costumes and modern fashion as symbols of global unity through diversity.

That year’s crown went to Corinna Tsopei of Greece, who became the Miss Universe 1964 winner. Her victory, alongside the presence of contestants like Edna Park, highlighted the pageant’s increasingly international character and its role in bridging different cultures through beauty and diplomacy.

The 1964 edition of Miss Universe remains memorable not only for its glamour and pageantry but also for the historical significance of Edna Park’s participation. She paved the way for future Nigerian beauty queens, inspiring generations of young women to embrace confidence, representation, and cultural identity on international platforms.

Sources:

Miss Universe Organization Archives (1964 Records)

The Guardian Nigeria, “Edna Park: Nigeria’s First Miss Universe Representative,” June 30, 2019

Los Angeles Times, “Corinna Tsopei Crowned Miss Universe in Miami,” July 12, 1964

Pop star Taylor Swift has been accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) to promote her new album “The Life of a Showgirl”.

The artist made a treasure hunt-style promotion that challenged fans to find 12 orange doors in 12 cities around the world. Players of the game could then scan the QR codes found there.

The codes unlocked short videos, and some of them show the hallmarks of AI.

One video pictures an Art Nouveau-style bar with a framed picture on the wall that shows a blurred depiction of a house. A book is also missing letters, and the bartender’s middle finger blends with an orange napkin that he puts on the bar.

Another QR code in Barcelona led fans to a video of a gym in a high-rise building with weights and handles that don’t quite line up.

AI being used in video is not new, as OpenAI brought out its Sora video-generator tool last year. Last week, the company said it was also launching a social media platform for users to share their AI-generated videos.

Even so, online users and Swift fans were dismayed at the singer, who has openly spoken about the dangers of AI deepfakes and AI replacing human labour and creativity.

“For someone who has made a big deal about how artists aren’t paid appropriately for like, most of her career, this is tone deaf AF,” one user wrote on Reddit.

“Nooooo, not Taylor too,” another user wrote on Reddit. “She’s too rich for this”.

Last year, users of the social media platform X shared AI-generated images of the singer purporting to show support for US President Donald Trump during his election campaign.