Kenny Ogungbe denies causing Plantashun Boiz breakup

Kenny Ogungbe, the renowned CEO of Kennis Music and a leading figure in Nigeria’s music industry, has addressed rumors about his alleged involvement in the breakup of the iconic music group, Plantashun Boiz

. Speaking during an episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Ogungbe set the record straight, denying any role in the group’s dissolution.

For years, speculation has swirled around the reasons behind the separation of Plantashun Boiz, a group once celebrated for its unique sound and groundbreaking albums.

The trio, consisting of 2Face (now known as 2Baba), Blackface, and Faze, initially disbanded in 2004 after releasing their second album, Sold Out.

While they briefly reunited in 2007 to create their third album, Plan B, they eventually parted ways permanently. Many fans blamed Ogungbe, given his influence in shaping the Nigerian music scene and his connection to 2Face’s subsequent solo success.

However, Ogungbe insists the breakup had nothing to do with him. “People have been saying I’m the one responsible for the breakup of Plantashun Boiz,” Ogungbe said during the podcast interview.

“That’s not true. 2Face came to me himself after the group had broken up. He told me he wanted to sign with Kennis Music, and Eedris Abdulkareem advised me to sign him, which I did.”

This revelation sheds new light on the events leading to the group’s disbandment. Ogungbe emphasized that Kennis Music only became involved with 2Face after the group had already gone their separate ways. “The group’s issues were their own,” he explained. “We came into the picture much later, after 2Face had decided to pursue a solo career.”

The Plantashun Boiz Legacy

Plantashun Boiz was more than just a music group—they were trailblazers in Nigeria’s burgeoning hip-hop and R&B scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Their debut album, Body and Soul, released in 2000, was an instant hit, earning them widespread acclaim.

Songs like “You and I” and “Don’t You Know” showcased their vocal harmony and lyrical depth, winning the hearts of fans across Africa.

However, cracks in their relationship began to show after the release of Sold Out. Creative differences and personal conflicts reportedly caused tension among the members.

By 2004, the group had officially disbanded, with each member embarking on solo projects.

2Face’s solo career quickly took off, thanks in part to his signing with Kennis Music. His debut album, Face 2 Face, released in 2004, featured the timeless hit “African Queen,” which catapulted him to international stardom.

Meanwhile, Blackface and Faze also pursued individual careers, though their paths were less commercially successful than 2Face’s.

Ogungbe’s Role in 2Face’s Rise

Kenny Ogungbe played a pivotal role in shaping 2Face’s career after the breakup. Kennis Music, under Ogungbe’s leadership, became a powerhouse in promoting Nigerian artists. When 2Face approached the label for support, Ogungbe recognized his potential and decided to invest in his talent.

Ogungbe credited Eedris Abdulkareem, another Kennis Music signee and a prominent Nigerian rapper, for encouraging him to sign 2Face. “Eedris told me, ‘This guy is talented; you should sign him,’” Ogungbe recalled. “And I’m glad I listened. 2Face was ready to make his mark, and we gave him the platform to do so.”

Under Kennis Music, 2Face achieved unprecedented success, becoming a global ambassador for Afrobeat and African music.

Ogungbe takes pride in the artist’s accomplishments but remains firm in his stance that he had no role in the group’s initial split.

Fans React to Ogungbe’s Statement

Following Ogungbe’s remarks on The Honest Bunch, fans and industry insiders have weighed in on the controversy.

Some praised him for finally addressing the rumors, while others believe there is still more to the story.

“The Plantashun Boiz breakup was a huge moment in Nigerian music history,” said a fan on social media. “It’s good to hear Kenny Ogungbe clear the air, but I wonder if we’ll ever know the full truth.”

Another fan commented, “Kennis Music was instrumental in making 2Face a legend. People should stop blaming Kenny for something that wasn’t his fault.”

Moving Forward

The breakup of Plantashun Boiz remains a bittersweet chapter in Nigeria’s music history. While the group’s legacy lives on through their timeless music, their story also serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with creative collaborations.

For Kenny Ogungbe, the focus has always been on nurturing talent and growing the industry. His work with 2Face and other artists at Kennis Music has left an indelible mark on African music, paving the way for the next generation of stars.

With this clarification, Ogungbe hopes to put the rumors to rest and let the achievements of Plantashun Boiz and its individual members continue to inspire music lovers worldwide.