Legendary Nigerian musician, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, has stirred conversation within the music industry after declaring Grammy-winning star Burna Boy as Nigeria’s leading artist at the moment.
Speaking in a recent interview with Urban FM, Enugu, the veteran singer, famed for his timeless hit African Queen, praised Burna Boy’s artistry, describing him as the “senior” among the current generation of Afrobeats stars dominating the global stage.
“On a personal level, Burna Boy is my number one. Although I still have other artists that I admire. But personally as an artist, Burna Boy is my number one right now. Among all the others I am referring to, he is the senior,” 2Face said.
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has become one of Africa’s most successful music exports, with a string of international accolades and record-breaking achievements to his name. From winning a Grammy Award for Twice As Tall to selling out stadiums across Europe and America, the self-proclaimed “African Giant” has cemented his place in the global music conversation.
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2Face’s comments appear to recognize this dominance, suggesting that Burna Boy’s influence goes beyond Nigeria and Africa, positioning him as a pace-setter for younger artists.
“There are still other ones that are coming up behind him that I see them going to the same level,” 2Face added, indicating his belief that Burna Boy is leading a generational shift in the industry.
As one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, 2Face’s endorsement carries significant weight. Widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Afrobeats, 2Face’s career has spanned over two decades, inspiring countless artists and setting the template for global recognition of Nigerian music.
His declaration of Burna Boy as number one is therefore not just a personal preference but also a symbolic recognition from one generation of Afrobeats royalty to the next.
Many industry observers have noted that 2Face’s words echo the respect that Burna Boy commands among his peers and veterans alike.
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Unsurprisingly, 2Face’s remarks have ignited debates among fans, particularly on social media where conversations about the “Big 3”, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, are constantly trending.
While Burna Boy’s fans hailed the comment as validation of his status as the current frontrunner, fans of Wizkid and Davido argued that all three superstars have contributed immensely to Afrobeats’ global dominance.
Some critics also pointed out that 2Face’s choice reflects personal taste rather than a definitive ranking, especially given that Wizkid and Davido continue to sell out shows worldwide, break streaming records, and headline major festivals.
Nonetheless, the respect 2Face showed Burna Boy as “senior” resonates with many who see him as the most consistent Nigerian artist of the last few years.
Industry analysts suggest that the ongoing debates about rankings should be seen as a sign of Afrobeats’ growth rather than division.
With artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido leading the charge, and others such as Rema, Asake, Tems, and Ayra Starr rising rapidly, Nigerian music is more diverse and competitive than ever.
2Face himself seemed to acknowledge this, stressing that while Burna Boy is his personal favorite, there are several others on the path to greatness.
His comments highlight a healthy competition within the industry, where multiple artists are pushing boundaries and elevating Afrobeats on the world stage.
For many fans, 2Face’s endorsement of Burna Boy reflects a generational passing of the torch. As an icon of the early 2000s Nigerian music revolution, 2Face laid the groundwork for today’s Afrobeats explosion.
Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido are now expanding that legacy on an unprecedented global scale.
Whether one agrees with his ranking or not, 2Face’s declaration underscores Burna Boy’s current influence and the respect he commands across the industry.
It also reinforces the idea that Nigerian music is not limited to one superstar but a constellation of talents shaping the global soundscape.
As the debates continue, one thing remains clear: Afrobeats has never been stronger, and the world is paying attention.
