Three titans – or “old cats” as Davido might call them – of the 2000s Afrobeats scene, Dbanj, 2Baba and PSquare squared off (pun fully intended) in a small online poll for the crown of Nigeria’s most influential artist of all time.
Dbanj, 2Baba and PSquare Battle in a Poll, and Nigerians Choose!
BY Henry-Damian Justice
April 15, 2024
7:10 am
The poll, orchestrated by @Grammyboiiii on X (formerly Twitter), attracted 354 participants, a modest turnout that nonetheless sparked significant interest in the outcome.
PSquare, the illustrious twin duo of Peter and Paul Okoye, emerged victorious with 46% of the votes, while 29% and 24% rooted for 2Baba (formerly known as 2face) and Dbanj, respectively. The results show that Peter and Paul Okoye are still considered the G.O.A.T of the early Afrobeats movement despite having gone their separate ways and later reuniting.
With albums like “Get Squared,” (2005), “Game Over” (2007), and “Double Trouble” which spawned chart-topping such as “Bizzy Body,” “Do Me,” “No One Like You,” “Ifunaya,” “Roll It” and the timeless “Personally,” PSquare undoubtedly ruled the 2000s club scene in Nigeria.
It’s no wonder they are the best-selling Nigerian artists of the CD era, the most successful African music group of all time, and were included in Forbes’ list of 40 Most Influential Artists of All Time. Even contemporary artists like Davido regard them as pioneers and mentors in the industry.
This is not to disregard the other contenders. D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” marked a historic moment for Nigerian music by entering the UK Singles Chart at #9 in 2011, the first Nigerian song to achieve such a feat. Meanwhile, 2Baba’s “African Queen” remains an evergreen anthem, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and melodious harmony.
Each of these artists has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s now-globally-respected music industry. But PSquare takes the crown for this one.