By Oche Egwa
Renowned musical artist, 2Baba, on Monday returned to his root in Otukpo town, Benue to serenade home fans, with an apology to cut controversies, and face the task of lifting souls with new songs.
2Baba, also known as 2face, Innocent Uja Idibia, started his musical career in Otukpo, and Makurdi, Benue, in the 80’s and 90’s, before moving to Lagos.
Accompanied by his mother, Mrs Rosemary Idibia, and other family members, the crooner of the classic “African Queen’’, told fans that it was all over with the adventures of dating, and Baby Mamas (having children outside wedlock).
At the newly launched Ochacho International Hotel, the sensational and inspiring songwriter, and global award-winning musician, said he had very high regard for women.
“I have turned away from my old ways of getting young ladies pregnant (make una no vex, I no go dey give women belle anyhow again,’’ he told a fully fans at the hotel.
2Baba also advised single young men to be more respectful of women and to be careful in their choice of relationships.
His apologies preceded the performance of his hit songs “True Love’’, “Implication” and the evergreen “African Queen’’, which he dedicated to his 70-year – old-mother, and women who have devoted their lives to building a better society.
2Baba thrilled the audience into the early hours with other songs like “For Instance’’, “Only me’’, “Rainbow’’ and “Amaka”, pausing at every moment to recognize family and childhood friends.
“I see you, King Ochacho, I see you, Inans Iheko, I see you, my brothers and sisters.’’
2Baba said his songs had always mirrored the physical and inner beauty of the black woman, particularly her resilience and dedication to providing for families.
“I have deep respect for all women,’’ he said. “Please, make some noise for my mother who is here with us.’’
He also highlighted the struggles of the poor in his Idoma land and poor infrastructure in Nigeria, and Africa, urging leaders to make democracy work for the people, not for a few from privileged backgrounds.
The global award-winning musician advocated for peace, through more intentional dialogue, and the need to pay attention to the philosophical postulations of late Afrobeat star, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
He said access to good education and healthcare should be the right of every child.
The Idoma-born musician also noted that democracy would be more attractive, and inclusive, when it addresses issues of justice, fairness and equity.
He urged leaders to safeguard and promote participatory elections.
The ace singer shared the stage with an upcoming 12-year-old artist, Ice King Ochacho, the talented son of business tycoon, and real estate magnate, King Mohammed Adah.
“I have been on my feet all night, singing and dancing because 2Baba is a natural talent. He was born to sing and entertain,’’ Maxwell Ogli, Chairman of the Otukpo Local Government Area, said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crowd-pulling Ochacho Carnival invites music stars annually to perform in Otukpo, using the platform to expand on the charitable gestures of the businessman.
Earlier during the Yuletide, the colourful two-day cultural festival, Echija, was held in Otukpo, and the newly introduced, Idoma International Carnival.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
