How Innocent Idibia ‘2Baba’ makes and spends his money

This is a glimpse into the personal finance of one of Nigeria's greatest musician and artist.

2Baba on feeling pressured with the legendary status, politics, more  (Pulse Nigeria (Facebook))

In the Nigerian music industry, Innocent ‘Tuface’ Idibia is inarguably the richest solo artiste in Nigeria. He is estimated to worth $22.5 million.

In 2016, the Benue-born multi-talented changed his stage name to ‘2Baba’. He said the changes that fatherhood brought into life made him consider a name change.

“I love kids. In case you are not aware I am a happily married man and a father of many children from various baby mamas something I often regret. Although I always wished it differently, life must go on and the fact that they are my children makes me a proud baba. And despite all said and done marriage has made me more responsible and mature.”

His ‘African Queen’ song has been adjudged one of Africa’s most valuable export to the West. The song was reported to have earned 2Baba about N10 million for it use as the theme song for a Hollywood movie – ‘Phat Girlz’.

2Baba signs a mega endorsement deal with Globacom  (NET)

How he makes his money

2Baba is not only a musician but also an entrepreneur and investors, especially in the real estate industry. He is the Chief Executive of Hypertek Entertainment – a record label that manages Dammy Krane and Dr Victor Uwaifo.

Music recording and album sales

2Baba drops new banger- 'Gaga Shuffle'  (Youtube/2BabaVEVO)

2Baba had six albums to his record and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The 'African Queen' is his highest earner with over 5 million copies sold across the globe.

More so, he is making money from online music platforms such as Spinlet, iTunes, Youtube and Ring Back tunes and MusicPlus of MTN telecommunications, for streaming of his musics on their platforms.

Live performance and shows

2Baba and M.I Abaga.  (Press)

It was reported that 2Baba charges N3m – N5m for show booking and N30,000 – N400,000 for an appearance at an organised show.

He also makes huge money through his collaboration with Nigerian Breweries’ Star Music: The Trek.

Endorsement deals

The first deal 2Baba had as a solo artiste was in 2005 when he was appointed an ambassador by Guinness Nigeria in a fifteen million Naira deal.

In 2010, Airtel signed a 20 million endorsement deal with him and renewed the deal in 2015 for double of its initial value. He also signed a mega ambassador deal with Globacom in 2017 for an undisclosed amount.

He is also ambassador to Campri, Hennessy and Haven Homes.

How he spends his money

Innocent Idibia is a businessman with a keen interest in hospitalities and real estate industries.  It is, however, important to note that 2Baba maintains a low social profile.

Business and investments in real estate

He is the owner of Rumor Nightclubs in Lagos with outlets in FESTAC Town and Ikeja GRA.

Rumor Night clubs  (Tori News)

His cars, houses and kits

One of the mansions owned by 2Baba.  (BellaNaija)