2Baba donates music studio to Nigerian university

The ‘African Queen’ hitmaker had promised to set up a studio at the institution which named him pioneer fellow of its school of music in 2019.

Confirming the news on March 15, the singer and songwriter shared a video on Instagram stating, “Some time ago, I was honoured by the great OAU as I was inducted into the school of music as a fellow. Today, I just commissioned the multi-million [naira] studio I built for the music department in OAU Ile-Ife.”

The artist has received wide commendation across Nigeria for the gesture. OAU vice-chancellor Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede lauded the artist, saying that the studio would go a long way in facilitating practical learning for students at the institution.

“The most important thing is that the legacy is there and it’s going to be there forever,” the musician’s wife, actress Annie Idibia, said. “The next generation will still benefit from it. And that’s what is important. It will always be there. It will be written in history. The next generations will be proud of this."

The artist has also disclosed plans take a similar initiative in Benue State University.

2Baba, formerly 2Face Idibia, was born Innocent Ujah Idibia and is among the most influential African musicians of his generation. His career started as a member of the pop group Plantashun Boiz. As a solo act, 2Baba is behind numerous hits and seven well-received solo albums, and is the recipient of high-profile music awards around the world. He is goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and heads the 2Baba Foundation.