Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, was on hand to thrill music fans in Tanzania with a headline performance at the Bongo Flava@30 anniversary festival, as the country celebrates 30 years of one of East Africa’s most influential music genres.
According to Leadership, 2Baba was among the headline performers at the event held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Eden Highlands Hotel in Mbeya.
His appearance brought an international dimension to the celebration, which featured several Tanzanian music stars who have contributed to the growth of Bongo Flava over the past three decades. Other performers included Mr Blue, Afande Sele, Kalapina, Juma Nature, Gangwe Mob and Chidi Benz. The Nigerian singer reportedly received an enthusiastic response from the audience during his performance, highlighting his continued appeal among music fans outside Nigeria.
Bongo Flava, which emerged in Tanzania in the 1990s, blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, reggae and traditional Tanzanian sounds. It has since developed into one of East Africa’s most influential contemporary music genres. The anniversary festival brought together established artistes and music enthusiasts to celebrate the genre’s evolution and its influence on Tanzania’s entertainment industry.
2Baba’s participation also highlighted the growing musical connections between Nigeria and Tanzania, with African artistes increasingly reaching audiences beyond their home countries. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s influential musicians, 2Baba has built a career spanning several decades, with songs that have earned him a following across the continent. His appearance at the Mbeya festival further demonstrated the cross-border appeal of Nigerian music and the role of established African artistes in strengthening the continent’s entertainment industry.
