20 Years A King: Tboiz wins 2Baba’s Next Up talent search

Olaseni Emerges Next Up Video Director
Having concluded the online contest, 2Baba has finally unveiled Tboiz, a three member boy band to perform at the 20 Years A King Concerts organised to commemorate two decades in the music industry as a performer. This announcement was made at the media event held recently in honour of the 20 Years A King projects.

The band members of Tboiz — Okhiria Daabo Ayodele, Oche Peter and Osaentin Joseph Jonathan— were announced as victors of the Next Up talent search, which ran from August 30, 2019, to September 9, 2019. Asides the vocalists, Apatira Taiwo Olaseni also emerged winner of the Next Up video director search.

2Baba, songwriter and producer Cobhams Asuquo and video director Unlimited L.A adjudged next Up Talent Search, whilst final winners were selected through an online voting process

Speaking at the 20 Years A King media day, 2Baba said, “Next Up is a legacy project. This platform will give these four young kings an opportunity to kick start their careers. Today, they will be performing at the Industry night special and soon, we will be recording a song together. The plan here is to make their voices heard and I am indeed proud to be a part of this project.”

2Baba continues his week of celebration as he marks his 44th birthday alongside ongoing #20YearsAKing activities.

It would be recalled that 2Baba recently held an intimate and exclusive appreciation dinner with key brands, corporate and individual partners whose invaluable support have propelled his musical success for two decades.

“I just want to thank God for my musical journey, I want to thank everyone that has supported me on this journey so far because it’s been twenty years since I came out; twenty years since Nigeria knew me. People have been hearing my music before, from Benue and other cities, but the first time that I officially kicked off my music career professionally, from Plantashun Boyz was in 1999; twenty years ago. Since then, I’ve been here,” he said

While acknowledging that so many people have been part of his journey, the singer said, “there have been so much ups and downs. I’ve said so many things I shouldn’t have said; I’ve made some foolish decisions. But then, I’ve done a lot of great things that I’m grateful to God for. I’m grateful to God and all my fans for still being here; I’m grateful for all my critics and for all those that have supported me all these twenty years. It’s been lonely at the top, but it’s no lonelier, because many young bloods are now taking music even beyond where I took it to and that’s my joy.”

He continued: “But you know as they say, ‘Old soldier never dies’, so, I’m still much relevant and at the top.”

2Baba, has unveiled plans for a series of activities to celebrate his 20th anniversary in the industry, revealed what his two decades of musical reign has taught him.

“Twenty years in the music industry has taught me that whatever you do you must keep your head straight and do your thing. You don’t have to judge yourself by what others are doing. Everyone steers the boat of his/her life, the moment you begin to judge yourself by other people’s actions then you’re heading for a crash.”

Other activities lined up for the 2Baba week include the Campaign for Peace and Good Governance, a Radio Takeover & Industry Nite Special, as well as the Abuja House Party with Campari, and 2Baba week finale at Rumors Night Club, Festac.

As an artiste he has received numerous awards in the music industry, including one MTV Europe Music Award, one World Music Award, five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Video Awards and one BET award for his musical work, four MTV Africa Music Awards, one MOBO award and one KORA award.

Born in Jos, Plateau State, Prior to July 2014, he went by the stage name 2face Idibia. He is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa, and is also one of the most bankable performing music artistes in Africa. With over 2 decades of trailblazing and topping the charts in his industry, 2Baba remains a formidable force, and one of the most influential in the Nigerian Entertainment space. He is also a known philanthropist and humanitarian.20 Years A King is a celebration of 20 years since 2Baba scored his first hit single ‘Knock Me Off’ as a member of the now-defunct Plantashun Boiz in 1999. Activities, projects and events for the year include a book, a documentary, an album, merchandise, fete, concerts, and parties.