I was denied access to an event because I look like 2Baba - Joe El

Popular singer Joe El Amadi candidly discussed the challenges that come with being frequently likened to his fellow artist, 2Baba, shedding light on how these constant comparisons acted as roadblocks in the progression of his music career.

Joe El shared that the persistent association with 2Baba has, at times, impeded his professional growth as influential figures within the music industry and media circuits distanced themselves from him based solely on his physical resemblance to the renowned artist.

In one poignant account, Joe El recounted encounters where select individuals, including presenters at Cool FM and Sound City, as well as an event coordinator at Festac Carnival 2013, turned him away from their platforms simply because he bore similarities to 2Baba.

Such rejections took a toll on Joe El, leading him to reflect on moments of despair, particularly vivid in the memory of an encounter with a Sound City presenter at Club Rumours who boldly proclaimed a ban on airing Joe El’s songs due to the perceived mimicry of 2Baba.

Despite the tribulations faced, Joe El persevered, finding solace in an unexpected collaboration with 2Baba on “Hold On” in 2015. This joint effort proved instrumental in reshaping public perception and gaining recognition for Joe El as a distinctive artist in his own right.

Regarding his departure from Kennis Music, Joe El explained that it was a natural progression as his contractual obligations concluded, signaling a new chapter in his musical journey.

“The downsides of 2Baba comparisons almost broke me down. Some presenters at Cool FM and Sound City, and an event planner at Festac Carnival 2013, denied me access to their platforms for looking like 2Baba

“The Sound City presenter even confronted me at Club Rumours one time boasting that he was the one that ordered presenters at his station not to play my songs because I was mimicking 2Face.

“The event planner at Festac Carnival insisted that I won’t perform because I look like their King 2Face. The same thing happened when I went for an interview at Cool FM; the presenter said he can’t interview someone who imitates 2Face.

“I complained to my mum and my record label boss, Baba Keke but they urged to be calm. Sometimes, when I try to pay homage to 2Face when we meet in public, some of his team members will block me.”

Innocent Ujah Idibia, aka 2Baba (formerly known as 2face Idibia), a multi-talented Nigerian artist is making waves in the music industry.

As a singer-songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist, 2Baba has made a lasting impact with his solo debut album, Face 2 Face, and continues to inspire fans with his soulful voice and creative genius.

Watch video below:

“I was with Kennis Music for 12 years”

Joe El Amadi opens up on the downsides of the 2face comparisons. pic.twitter.com/4WgDYOg9Yx

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 31, 2024