Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia, widely known as 2Face or 2Baba, has spoken candidly for the first time about the deep personal struggles he faced during his now-ended marriage to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay. In a startling confession, the legendary ‘African Queen’ hitmaker revealed that his experience in the relationship felt like “living in bondage” and claimed that his life was even threatened at one point.
The explosive revelation was made during a teaser for an upcoming episode of the +234 Mzansi Podcast, co-hosted by Nigerian comedians Nedu and Acapella, alongside South African broadcaster Kifilwe. The podcast episode, which is already generating massive online buzz, will reportedly delve into the personal trials of the Afrobeats pioneer, including his recent separation from Annie and the emotional toll it took on him.
“This thing wey dem call ‘living in bondage’ is real,” 2Face confessed in a now-viral snippet from the interview. “There were some people who were ready to kill me.”
While the full details of the interview are yet to be released, the snippet has stirred widespread conversation online, especially among fans who have followed the couple’s rocky relationship over the years. 2Face and Annie’s love story has long been seen as a symbol of endurance and reconciliation, having survived infidelity rumors, family disputes, and public controversies. But the singer’s latest comments reveal a far more painful and complex reality behind the scenes.
2Face and Annie Macaulay officially tied the knot in May 2012 in a lavish ceremony that brought together Nigeria’s biggest celebrities. Their union was blessed with two daughters—Isabella and Olivia—and was widely viewed as one of the most admired celebrity marriages in the country.
However, cracks in the relationship began to show over time. Rumors of betrayal, emotional distance, and heated family tensions became regular headlines. Annie, on several occasions, took to social media to express her frustration and pain, while 2Face remained mostly silent—until now.
On January 26, 2025, 2Face shocked fans when he confirmed their separation in a now-deleted social media post, stating that the marriage had “run its course” and urging the public to respect their privacy. The announcement sent ripples across the entertainment industry, particularly because it was followed swiftly by the public unveiling of his new romantic partner.
Just days after announcing the split, 2Face was seen in multiple viral photos and videos with Natasha Osawuru, a sitting member of the Edo State House of Assembly. The pair appeared at events together, and Natasha’s affectionate captions on Instagram made it clear that their relationship was serious. Many were surprised by how quickly the music star appeared to move on from his 12-year marriage.
In the days that followed, the couple’s romantic moments began trending across social media, sparking mixed reactions. While some fans supported 2Face’s decision to pursue happiness after years of public drama, others criticized what they called the “insensitive” timing of the reveal, especially given Annie’s silence.
Meanwhile, Annie Macaulay has remained relatively quiet on the issue. Known for wearing her emotions on her sleeve, she has so far refrained from any public outburst or counter-statements. However, close friends of the actress have suggested that she was blindsided by the sudden public declaration of their breakup.
A source close to the actress said, “Annie has been through a lot emotionally over the years. She gave that marriage everything. This breakup didn’t just happen overnight, but she didn’t expect it to play out like this.”
For his part, 2Face seems determined to begin a new chapter. In another moment from the upcoming podcast episode, the singer hinted at how fame and personal pressure made him vulnerable to manipulation and mental exhaustion.
“People no dey understand say fame no be freedom,” he said. “Sometimes the people around you dey smile, but deep down, dem dey push you towards destruction.”
His remarks are being interpreted by fans and observers as a veiled reference to both external pressures and unresolved tensions in his previous relationship. Social media has since exploded with debates on who to blame, with fans of both stars defending their favorites.
As the podcast episode’s release draws nearer, many anticipate that 2Face will share more detailed insight into the emotional strain he endured and how it has shaped his current perspective on love, loyalty, and personal healing.
While the veteran singer has never been a stranger to controversy, this revelation represents a rare moment of raw vulnerability from the usually reserved artist. It may also mark the beginning of a rebranding journey as he steps into a new phase of his personal and professional life.
At the same time, the spotlight remains on Natasha Osawuru, whose political career has now been intersected by a sudden thrust into celebrity gossip. Her team has yet to issue any official statement, though she has continued to share photos with 2Face, calling him “the man who brings me peace.”
As fans await the full podcast episode, one thing is certain: 2Face Idibia’s latest revelations have reshaped the public’s perception of one of Nigeria’s most beloved entertainers. Whether it leads to healing or further controversy, his voice is now part of a broader conversation on love, fame, and the hidden battles behind closed doors.
