Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has shared some insights into his personal life and how he deals with the criticism he receives online. The singer, who has seven children from different women, said he does not impose his authority on his kids, but rather treats them like his friends.
In an interview with the Afrobeats podcast hosted by Adesope Olajide, 2Baba revealed that he speaks to his children as if they are his mates and tries to understand their perspectives. He said he does not have a fixed blueprint for parenting, but rather focuses on the connection he has with his little ones.
The African Queen crooner also expressed his frustration with the trolls who attack him on social media over his family matters. He said he gets hurt sometimes by the negative comments and accusations of being a deadbeat dad. He wondered why the same people who are concerned about his family have never offered to help him pay his children’s school fees.
He said, “I get a lot of jabs [trolling]. I got a lot of people that say stuff about me. People have trolled me severally on social media. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes some people will just go on social media to say rubbish. It’s just like terrorists bombing innocent people.”
2Baba added that he does not care about getting recognition from the younger generation of artists, as he believes they do not owe him anything. He said he is proud of his legacy and contribution to the Nigerian music industry, and he is happy to see the growth and success of the new talents.
He said, “I don’t expect anything from anybody. I don’t expect anybody to give me props or recognition or anything. I’m just doing my thing. I’m just happy that I’m part of this whole movement [Afrobeats]. I’m happy that I’m part of the people that laid the foundation for what is happening now.”