Singer needs to tell his side of Blackface's story and Plantashun Boiz

I love diversion. I love how people like to manoeuvre situations and everything, turning the primary focus of people from the issue at hand to something else. It happens a lot in Nigeria. You could ask a Nigerian man a question, and they would reply you with a question, or point you to something else. Or worse case, they will bring the devil or God into the matter.

2face Idibia is diverting right now. The singer is currently at the centre of conversations about the Nigerian music industry, for his time at Plantashun Boiz, the true origins of his classic ‘African Queen’ record and ‘Let somebody love you.’ His estranged colleague and friend-turned-foe, Blackface, is singing again, and everyone is dancing to his melody.

Blackface is singing old songs about 2face’s business practices. Songs about betrayal, songs about theft, songs about more theft. These songs aren’t new. They have lasted for many years, as Blackface never gets tired of them. Did 2face Idibia act honourably with ‘African Queen’? Did he screw Blackface over? Was ‘Let somebody love you’ an original record from him? These are the songs that attract the largest crowds, and on social media, everyone is having a party.

But not 2face. He is diverting. He’s heard the music for many years. He knows the songs Blackface is singing. Those tunes aren’t new. They are about him. Is he guilty or not? Are his hands clean or dirty? Did he stab a brother in the back? How did he make his biggest hit? Why does Blackface have bad songs to sing about him?

2face finally joined the party. The legendary Nigerian musician showed up, heard the music, listened to it again, and had a drink. And once again, instead of grabbing the mic and singing his own verse of the song, he is diverting. He is screaming: ‘Stop singing about me”!

*Drops mic. Walks away.”

That’s the behaviour he simply displayed in his tweet that reads: “Dear blackface and idris. as na una sabi music pass make una do the music and stop talking nonsense all the time. I'm 2 busy so this is the only advice and response u're gonna get from me. una fit resume una nonsense rants,”

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2face needs to do better. Every year this story resurfaces, creating a stain on his near-impeccable legacy. He is one of Nigeria’s most respected musicians, with lots of love and achievements. Whenever these stories come out, we see a side of 2baba that we hate to acknowledge. A side that implies that he is a thief and a horrible human being. It’s confusing. He is our epitome of love and humility. How is Blackface telling a story that goes against this? Why?

What we need isn’t a tweet that offers nothing other than confirming that you have seen the stories. It is inadequate to do that. A man cannot show up at your doorstep accusing you of theft, and your response is “stop saying that!” You need to come out with your chest, and address the issues.

Blackface has a story to tell and he is doing it excellently. 2face Idibia has his own story to tell, but he isn’t doing that at all. Why? Is there something to hide? Is he guilty of a malpractice that he is avoiding? Why does the ghost of Plantashun Boiz continue to whisper through the years? Why are we still dealing with this?

Only 2face holds the answers and the key to ending this. Right now, he is protected by the sentiments of fans and followers who love him, and would attack his aggressor for daring to question him. But it won’t last forever. The longer he takes, the guiltier he looks.

Let him tell his story. Once and for all.