2Face Idibia
Nigerian superstar 2Face Idibia talks to Ilka Schlockermann about the Nigerian music scene, the MTV Europe Music Awards and his African Queen.
While it felt new and strange to have the first ever 'Best African Act' category at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2005 , the fact that Africa's music scene is getting exposure can only be applauded. Alex Okosi , Vice President of MTV base Africa commented:
This is a landmark year for Africa: first, MTV launched its first ever African channel, MTV base, and now it has created this milestone award to recognise the artistry, creativity and passion of African musicians. We are delighted that this award [will bring the African nominees'] music to the global audience of more than one billion viewers!
Among the winners in Lisbon on 3 November 2005 were Robbie Williams, Gorillaz, Snoop Dogg and the now officially 'Best African Act': 2FACE Idibia . 2Face, also a member of the very successful hip hop trio, Plantashun Boyz , is a superstar in his home country Nigeria, whose mix of Reggae, R&B and hip hop sung in a mixture of English, local dialect and Pidgin English is spreading across African and now European borders.
Listen: African Queen
What's your real name? Why do you call yourself 2Face?
My real name is Innocent Idibia. I started calling myself 2Face in 1996. The name to me just refers to the outside and inside: when you first see me you see the outside but when you get to know me, you see the inside.
How did you get into music?
I started professionally eight years ago, but music for me has been a natural thing, it's been in me since I was a little kid. At first I did it for fun but then realised that I had a talent. Initially my parents wanted me to go to school, to get a job and look at music as second option, like a part time job. But in '97 I let them know that I HAD to do this professionally and thankfully they didn't force me into doing something else. They saw how serious I was about it, and they've become supportive.
Describe your music and your influences.
I don't limit myself to one style in terms of what I listen to and the music I make. I like to be versatile. Growing up, I listened to Jamaican acts like Bob Marley and U-Roy, also Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, plus a lot of Nigerian stuff, especially highlife like Victor Uwaifo. The major influence on my music is reggae.
Your video 'African Queen' was the first video shown on MTV Base Africa. What difference has MTV Base Africa made on your career and the African music scene in general?
MTV Base Africa is a very healthy development for young and upcoming artists in Africa. They represent everybody in Africa and have done a great deal to make the world know what Africa has got.
What kind of experiences did you have travelling and performing in Africa?
I have been to Uganda, Tanzania, Togo, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Niger... so many places, I can't even remember all of them right now. The reception has been amazing. I didn't know people would know me in all those places until I got there and they were calling my name - amazing!
How many copies has your current album 'Face 2 Face' sold?
This is my first solo album, and in Nigeria it has sold over two million which is amazing. Before that I recorded two albums with the Plantashun Boyz.
You are Nigeria 's biggest artist - how does it feel?
I don't think I am the biggest yet. We still got big artists in Nigeria , there's Majek Fashek, Femi Kuti, Lágbájá, and of course Fela. I am not the biggest - I am just working towards it now.
Which artists do you feel are doing interesting stuff on the Nigerian scene at the moment?
The Natives, they are up and coming, also Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila, JJC & 419 Squad, Styl-Plus, Ruff Rugged & Raw, Azadus, there are so many... plus of course Blackface and Faze (the other two member of 2Face's group Plantashun Boyz).
What are the problems of the Nigerian music industry?
I'm not really happy about the Nigerian music industry but everything takes time, hard work, planning and understanding. There are so many problems, not just piracy. The Nigerian music industry lacks good entertainment lawyers, good management companies, so many things, but one step at a time - we'll get there, no doubt.
What are your plans, for outside Africa?
The first time I was in London, and in Europe for that matter, was for the MOBOs and the Nigerian independence parties in late September this year. It was a really nice feeling performing here, I was so happy about the response, it was massive. I also shot a new video for 'African Queen' in London, so watch out for that.
The MOBO nomination ('Best African act') was the first major thing that happened for me in Europe. And now the MTV Europe Awards... for me to be nominated and win this award, thanks to god and hard work, means one or two people outside the Nigerian and African market know already who I am and they already feel me.
Everywhere you have to start from somewhere and I realise I am more popular in Nigeria and Africa than in Europe , but this is a good starting point for me here. It helps me to get to meet and talk to people, do more collaborations, do business. I hope to go worldwide, and for me it's going to be great and interesting working out here representing Africa. You will be seeing more of me in the UK.
Lots of your songs are about respect and humbleness... is that something very important to you?
Very, very important. I like to preach reality, and people need to understand one another and be peaceful.
What about the Plantashun Boyz?
Yes, at some point Plantashun Boyz are definitely going do something. For me they are the source, Plantashun Boyz are where it's all come from.
You have done quite a few collaborations...
Yes, I have done one recently, a remix of my own song 'Nfana Ibaga (No Problem)', with Beenie Man from Jamaica and Reggie Rockstone from Ghana . It will be on Beenie Man's next album too, and we shot a video for it. Also, together with Sound Sultan and Faze from Nigeria , I have worked with Wyclef Jean, on a track called "Proud to be African'. It's on Wyclef's 'Welcome to Haiti Creole 101' album which is out, but now that the Fugees are back Wyclef will be promoting it more once the Fugees project has slowed done.
Women all over Africa love 'African Queen' and are wondering who your African queen is...
(Laughs) It's a general song and not directed at any particular person - I can sing it to my mum, sing it to my sister, sing it to anybody. The song is just my own way of paying my tribute and respect to the African woman. But it can also be related to anybody in the world, it's just about respect for the woman. I am from Africa that's why I chose to call it 'African Queen'.