Prominent Nigerian artist 2Baba, whose real name is Innocent Ujah Idibia, has discussed the situation of Afrobeats today and his personal significance in the music business.
He acknowledged the emergence of new Afrobeats artists in a recent interview with AFRIMMA, but he also emphasised the significance of his generation’s contributions to the genre’s expansion.
2Baba emphasised the importance of his and his kind’s sacrifices in bringing Afrobeats to the height of its popularity.
He advised aspiring artists not to aspire for instant fame, but to have faith in the process and concentrate on laying a solid foundation.
Using Burna Boy as an example, 2Baba said that years of arduous work and devotion were the foundation of Burna Boy’s steady ascent to selling out legendary arenas like Madison Square Garden.
He counselled upcoming performers to take a cue from Burna Boy’s career and understand the importance of steady development and a devoted following.
2Baba stated:
“Burna Boy sells out Madison Square Garden and they [other artistes] think they are on the same level. And that’s unrealistic.
“He knows what he passed through before getting to the level he is, and you have to go through that process in full. Burna boy didn’t just wake up and sell out Madison Square Garden, it’s a process that took a long time.
“He started by touring small venues and he built a huge followership from there. And you see the results now. It’s the same process. We are part of the sacrificers; the instrumental process [laughs].
“But that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that I am still very much relevant. I’m still here making good music.”
