Speaking on a recent episode of the Entertainment & Lifestyle Show, the award-winning musician said the 2004 classic not only gave his career an explosive start but also became one of his most personal songs.
“African Queen has been a very huge blessing, and e come turn to problem join for me. But I am grateful for everything,” he said in his usual calm and reflective tone.
A Song That Shaped a Legacy
Released in 2004 as part of his debut solo album Face 2 Face, African Queen instantly became a pan-African anthem and remains one of the most recognisable love songs to come out of Nigeria. Its soothing melody and romantic lyrics resonated across the continent, propelling 2Face into international fame.
The song earned him global recognition, making him the first African artist to win the BET, MTV Europe, and MOBO Awards — achievements that cemented his place in the history of Afrobeats.
A Controversy That Won’t Fade
Despite its success, African Queen has also been trailed by controversy for nearly two decades. 2Face’s former bandmate from the defunct Plantashun Boiz, Blackface, has repeatedly claimed authorship of the song, accusing 2Face of intellectual theft.
In a previous interview, 2Face clarified that the song was originally a collaborative effort with his former bandmates but denied ever stealing it. Still, the issue remains a recurring topic in Nigerian pop culture, with fans divided over the true origins of the iconic track.
The Timeless Impact of African Queen
Even after 21 years, African Queen continues to inspire conversations about artistry, ownership, and legacy in the Nigerian music industry. The debate resurfaced in August 2025, when Billboard named it the “Greatest Afrobeats Song of All Time.”
For 2Face, the recognition is a reminder of how deeply the song has shaped both his musical journey and African pop music as a whole. Yet, it also underscores the weight of carrying a song that refuses to fade — a track that, for better or worse, remains inseparable from his name.
“It’s been a journey,” he said, reflecting on his career. “I’m grateful for everything — the good, the challenges, all of it.”