Godwin Reminds Us Why We Still Cherish 2Baba’s “African Queen”

Everyone has a personal reason for loving 2Baba’s timeless hit, “African Queen.”

Over the years, Nigerian pop music has produced several landmark songs that highlight the creativity and ambition of its biggest stars. Among these classics, few records have had the lasting cultural and artistic impact of 2Baba’s 2004 R&B masterpiece, “African Queen.” The song not only became one of the finest individual performances in Nigerian pop history but also helped reshape how music from Nigeria was viewed globally.

Recently, gifted vocalist Godwin revisited the beloved classic, reminding listeners why “African Queen” remains both nostalgic and evergreen nearly two decades after its release.

On February 13, 2026, just ahead of Valentine’s Day, Godwin unveiled his own version of the song—and it’s a rendition that offers plenty to admire.

A Thoughtful Tribute to a National Love Anthem

Covering a classic song can be delicate work. Reproducing it too closely risks sounding redundant, while straying too far can feel unnecessary or forced. The most successful covers strike a balance—honoring the original while allowing the artist’s individuality to shine through.

Godwin achieves this balance beautifully. His emotionally rich, acoustic performance places emphasis on his voice, much like the original did for 2Baba. The stripped-down arrangement feels intimate, almost like a lover softly serenading their partner at home—simple, heartfelt, and refined.

“African Queen” stirs different emotions in every listener, and Godwin’s version reflects his personal connection to a song that influenced his own musical journey. Each note and vocal run captures the admiration and wonder that have made the track such a powerful tribute to the beauty of African women.

The Enduring Legacy of a Nigerian Classic

When 2Baba released “African Queen” in 2004, it quickly became a fan favorite at a time when Nigerian music was entering a new era of possibility. Blending international R&B influences with Nigeria’s rich musical heritage, the song demonstrated that local artists could compete on a global stage.

With its affectionate lyrics, smooth delivery, and polished production, “African Queen” proved that Nigerian music could resonate far beyond its borders. Long before social media captions and short-form videos, the song served as a romantic anthem and the soundtrack to countless love stories.

Its impact was undeniable. When MTV Base launched in Africa in 2005, “African Queen” was the very first video aired on the channel. It won Best Music Video of the Year at the 2005 Channel O Awards and was named Song of the Decade at the 2007 Nigerian Music Awards.

Internationally, the song further elevated Nigeria’s musical reputation. It featured in the 2006 Hollywood film Phat Girlz and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Nigerian songs of the 21st century.

Everything about “African Queen” feels monumental—the memories it created, the artists it inspired, the ownership disputes it sparked, and the weight it carries in Nigeria’s cultural history.

We each have our own story tied to this song. We’ve seen it used to express deep devotion and to celebrate beauty. Over time, many of us have grown into the very people the song speaks about—and it continues to perfectly express the depth of our feelings.

That is why “African Queen” remains timeless, destined to resonate with generations to come.