Inside 2Baba’s star-studded 51st birthday dinner, album listening party in Lagos

*Kenny Ogungbe, D-One, others honour the music icon, call him the king of modern Afrobeats

By Benjamin Njoku

Balmoral Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was the place to be last weekend, as family, industry friends, mentors and guests gathered at the prestigious venue to celebrate music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba. The icon threw a party to mark his 51st birthday in grand style.

It was a star-studded celebration of life, reunion with his mentors, industry friends, and unveiling of a major music project he has been working on.

2Baba, the man of the moment, arrived at the venue in a blaze of glory, accompanied by his family. Dressed in a black designer suit, he was in high spirits from the moment he stepped in, moving from table to table, hugging and exchanging pleasantries with his guests. It was one of the best moments of 2Baba’s life and every guest could feel it. The evening climaxed the milestone celebration which began on September 18, his actual birthday.

Indeed, the evening was nothing short of three events rolled into one — a birthday dinner, an album listening party, and a platform for introducing another part of the singer’s growing brand.

The night provided an opportunity for guests to get an exclusive feel of his forthcoming album, while the launch of 2Baba Jollof added another highlight to the celebration.

Entertainment industry juggernauts who graced the occasion praised 2Baba’s consistent and evolving spirit as a legend whose career has stretched across several generations of Nigerian music. Turning 51 and still standing naturally carried its own significance.

2Baba is the face of Afrobeats

Paying glowing tribute to 2Baba on the night, Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo “D-One’ Adeneye, the duo who signed him after the breakup of the music group Plantashun Boiz, described the singer as the face of Afrobeats.

Ogungbe, who flew into Lagos from California to be part of the celebration, said there is no way the story of Afrobeats will be written without mentioning 2Baba first.

He added that before anyone started playing Afrobeats, 2Baba was already doing Afro pop, Afro RnB, Afro soul, reggae and highlife.

“When they mention Afrobeats, 2Baba’s name is always number one and will remain number one forever and ever,” Ogungbe said.

On his part, D-One said he respects and recognizes 2Baba’s achievements in music. “We are very proud of you. We respect and recognize your achievements. Keep making us feel good, keep giving us the best that you have.”

The evening, hosted by comedian AY, also had his former manager, Efe Omorogbe, and stars like Tony Tetuila, African China, Marvelous Benjy, Fave, Wande Coal, and Darey Art Alade among others in attendance.

The highlight of the night was the cutting of the birthday cake as well as the unveiling of 2Baba’s new song, “Mental” featuring Fave. Surrounded by his five children and his mother, 2Baba cut his birthday cake in an emotional moment, showing that beyond the glitz and glamour, the celebration was deeply rooted in family.

His family’s presence became one of the most unforgettable scenes of the night. In particular, his mother’s presence gave the celebration a different emotional tone, because the evening was not just about 2Baba the successful musician, but also about the people who have stood by him outside the spotlight. The family moment stood out in an event that was filled with music stars and entertainment bigwigs.

Unveiling “Mental” off his forthcoming album, “The Oldest Young Man,” 2Baba revealed that the 15-track project will be released in two months.

The decision to drop a new song as a birthday gift to his fans added another dimension to his impressive catalogue, as the legendary artiste continues to connect with a new generation of music lovers.

The release of “Mental”, according to 2Baba’s manager and partner, Mallam Yankee, gave fans another reason to celebrate the music legend as he marks another milestone in his illustrious career.

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