In a candid interview with AFRIMMA, 2Baba, the renowned Nigerian singer-songwriter, reflected on the sacrifices he and his peers made to bring African music to the global stage. He cautioned up-and-coming artists to focus on the process rather than getting caught up in ambition.
Citing his colleague Burna Boy as an example, 2Baba highlighted the arduous journey that led to the latter's success. "When Burna Boy sells out Madison Square Garden, some artists think they're on the same level, but that's unrealistic," he said. "Burna Boy didn't just wake up one day and sell out that iconic venue. It took years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance."
According to the sun Nigeria, the music veteran emphasized that he and his contemporaries have paved the way for African artists to succeed globally. "We've made the sacrifices; we've put in the work. We've toured small venues, built our fanbase from scratch, and fought for recognition. And now, it's a different story."
However, 2Baba also emphasized that his own relevance in the industry remains intact. "Just because I've been around for a while doesn't mean I'm not still making great music. I'm still pushing boundaries, still creating art that resonates with my audience."
With his words of wisdom, 2Baba aims to inspire a new generation of artists to focus on the journey rather than the destination. By sharing his story and experience, he hopes to remind them that success is a marathon, not a sprint – and that the sacrifices made along the way are worth it in the end.