2Face Idibia has opened up about the mixed legacy of his hit song “African Queen.”
He described the 2004 classic as both a huge blessing and a source of lasting controversy.
Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent ‘2Face’ Idibia has reflected on the impact of his timeless hit song, “African Queen,” describing it as both a blessing and a curse in his career.
Speaking during a recent episode of an Entertainment & Lifestyle show, 2Face admitted that while the 2004 classic brought him fame and recognition across the globe, it also came with challenges and controversies. “African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me. But I am grateful for everything,” he said.
The song, which became a global anthem and solidified 2Face’s place as one of Africa’s greatest artists, earned him major international awards such as BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO.
However, the hit has long been embroiled in disputes over authorship, with 2Face’s former Plantashun Boiz bandmate, Blackface, repeatedly claiming ownership of the song. 2Face has denied the allegations, insisting it was a collaborative effort, not theft.
Despite the controversy, African Queen remains an iconic piece of African music history. The debate reignited in August 2025, when Billboard named it the Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time.
