Veteran Nigerian singer celebrates milestone birthday as new music signals renewed activity in the recording scene.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 22, 2026.
LAGOS — Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba and formerly 2Face Idibia, has marked his 51st birthday with a combination of new music, family celebration and a preview of his forthcoming musical project.
The celebrated singer turned 51 on September 18, 2026, and used the milestone to reconnect with music audiences through the release of “Mental,” a new single featuring contemporary Nigerian singer Fave. The release coincided with his birthday and has been described by his management as part of the activities marking the singer’s new chapter.
The birthday celebration continued on September 19 in Victoria Island, Lagos, where family members, friends, colleagues and notable figures from the entertainment industry gathered for a special dinner and album listening session.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for 2Baba to preview songs from his forthcoming album, “Oldest Young Man,” giving guests an early look at the body of work he has been developing. Premium Times reported that the listening party attracted personalities including Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo “D1” Adeneye, Wande Coal, Faze, African China, Ayo Makun, Tony Tetuila and Spyro.
A Return to the Music Space
The new release and album preview come at a significant point in 2Baba’s career. After decades in the Nigerian music industry, the singer continues to release music and collaborate with younger artistes, with “Mental” bringing together his established sound and Fave’s contemporary style.
The development also places 2Baba’s music before a new generation of listeners while maintaining links with the era that established him as one of Nigeria’s most recognised recording artistes. His career includes the Plantashun Boiz years and a successful solo run that produced internationally recognised songs, including “African Queen.”
The birthday weekend therefore went beyond a celebration of age. It also served as a platform for the singer to showcase ongoing creative work and signal continued participation in Nigeria’s evolving music industry.
From Plantashun Boiz to a New Generation
One of the memorable moments at the birthday gathering was a performance involving 2Baba and Faze, his former Plantashun Boiz colleague. The pair revisited their musical history with a freestyle that recalled the era of one of Nigeria’s influential music groups of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
At the same time, his collaboration with Fave demonstrates a connection between two generations of Nigerian music, allowing the veteran artiste to introduce his voice and artistry to audiences familiar with the newer wave of Afropop.
The development reflects the continuing evolution of Nigeria’s music industry, where established artistes increasingly collaborate with younger performers to create music that bridges different generations of listeners.
A Birthday With Music, Family and Enterprise
Beyond music, the 51st birthday celebration also featured the introduction of 2Baba Jollof, a new food-business venture associated with the singer. The combination of music, family and entrepreneurship formed part of the activities surrounding the milestone celebration in Lagos.
With “Mental” now available and “Oldest Young Man” being previewed ahead of its official release, attention has shifted to what the next phase of 2Baba’s musical journey will bring.
For an artiste whose career has stretched across multiple generations of Nigerian popular music, the 51st birthday celebration has become another marker in a continuing story — one that combines an established catalogue with new collaborations, fresh recordings and a renewed presence in the contemporary music space.
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