By Chioba ifunayan
Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Face Idibia (2Baba), has added another historic feather to his cap as his iconic love ballad, African Queen, has been ranked the Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time by Billboard.
The announcement, released on Tuesday by Billboard, placed African Queen at the very top of its curated Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time list, recognizing the track as a timeless masterpiece that not only shaped the Afrobeats genre but also projected it to global audiences long before the worldwide explosion of Afrobeats in the 2010s.
A Song That Defined a Generation
Released in 2004 as part of 2Face’s debut solo album Face2Face, African Queen quickly became a continental anthem. The song’s soulful lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and heartfelt delivery distinguished it from the fast-paced pop style that dominated the era. Its message of celebrating the beauty and grace of African women resonated deeply, turning it into a wedding favorite and love anthem across Africa.
Beyond the continent, the song gained international acclaim when it featured as a soundtrack in the 2006 Hollywood film Phat Girlz, introducing global audiences to the richness of Afrobeats years before the genre became a worldwide movement.
Billboard’s Recognition of a Classic
In its statement, Billboard described African Queen as a “foundational record that set the tone for Afrobeats as a genre of global significance.” The publication praised the song for being both authentic and universal, crediting 2Face’s artistry for bridging African rhythms with international appeal.
The ranking cements 2Face’s status as a trailblazer who paved the way for today’s Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who are now dominating global stages and award platforms.
2Face Reacts
Reacting to the news, 2Face took to social media to thank fans worldwide who have kept the song alive for over two decades.
He wrote: “African Queen is not just my song; it belongs to Africa and to every beautiful soul out there. I’m humbled that it still touches hearts across generations. This recognition by Billboard is proof that real music never dies.”
A Lasting Legacy
Two decades after its release, African Queen remains evergreen, still performed on major stages, covered by younger artists, and played at romantic celebrations across Africa. Its cultural and emotional impact continues to reinforce 2Face’s place in history as one of Africa’s greatest music legends.
With this latest milestone, African Queen joins the ranks of timeless global classics—reminding the world that Afrobeats, in its purest form, has always been about rhythm, soul, and storytelling.
