Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has disclosed the inspiration behind his hit track Only Me, revealing a personal encounter with former Super Eagles midfielder and Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel.
Speaking about the incident, 2Baba recounted meeting Mikel in a UK shopping mall during a time when both were celebrated figures in their respective fields.
“Destiny brought me and Mikel to the winning stage—he was conquering the football world while I was putting Afrobeats on the global map,” he said.
During their first in-person encounter, 2Baba approached Mikel with enthusiasm but was surprised by the cold reception.
“To my greatest surprise, Mikel just ignored me and acted like he didn’t know 2Baba. I was very sad and tried to understand why he treated me that way,” the musician shared.
The experience, which was widely discussed by blogs and media outlets at the time, left a lasting impression on 2Baba.
Instead of holding a grudge, he channeled his emotions into the song Only Me. “I went into the studio to pour out my heart,” he explained.
Despite the incident, 2Baba maintains his respect for Mikel’s achievements in football and uses the story as a reminder of the complexities of human interactions.
Only Me remains one of 2Baba’s iconic songs, resonating with fans for its raw emotion and powerful message.