People always compare me to 2Baba When Hyacinth Idibia first showed up on TV screens, it was on one of his brother Innocent’s (then known as 2Face, but now called 2Baba) videos. But he soon became a fan favourite and along with a friend called AJ kick-started an act called ‘Da Natives’. The duo released an album which was moderately successful and did a few tours, suddenly becoming quiet. But Weekend Magazine caught up with Hyacinth, and he spoke about his long absence from the music industry, his new life in the United States, and more. Excerpts:
Weekend Magazine: It’s been almost a decade since you released an album as the duo ‘Da Natives’. Are you and AJ still a musical duo?
Hyacinth Idibia: No. We went our separate ways since 2008, but we are still friends .
WM: Are you working on new music at the moment?
Idibia: Yes, I am working on my new album. It’s titled ‘Believe’. This interview is the first public mention of the project and its name. I’ve been working quietly, up till now that it is fully ready. But I’ll start with dropping some singles to burn up the charts first before the album itself comes out.
WM: You’ve been under the radar lately. What have you been up to?
Idibia: Basically, taking care of family, getting some work experience, and of course doing music. The music has been low-key all these years, but very much alive.
I have been living in the United States for the past 7 years now, so family life takes a great deal of my time. I’m also running a couple of business ventures, as well as schooling. But I’m now ready for the music industry again. This time, there’s no stopping me. I just hope my loyal fans will take me back.
I get private messages from fans all the time, asking me when I will drop a new song , and if I am still coming back to music. The answer I always give is ‘yes’.
WM: Do you have any plans to record a major duet with your brother 2Face Idibia?
Idibia: Yes I do. But that’s all I can say, because it’s a top secret project, for now.
WM: With such a famous sibling, have you ever felt pressured to succeed as an artiste?
Idibia: Yes, of course. People tend to compare us. At first I was letting it get to me, and it was making it hard for me to truly be myself. Due to the high standards he has set in the music industry, it’s difficult for people to see me for who I truly am, without having to bring him into the picture.
I remember some years back when I went for an interview at a TV station and I thought I was supposed to discuss myself. But before I knew it, they shifted most of the questions about me to my brother. I thought to myself ‘Hey, this is supposed to be about me’.
However, I have come to realized that I have to do what I have to. Regardless of whatsoever, people will still talk anyways and that’s a fact .
WM: What do you think about the explosion of talent on the Nigerian music scene these days?
Idibia: Right from the start, I knew Nigerians have always had what it takes to conquer the world in whatever we chose to do. In fact, what obtains now is just the beginning . The Nigerian music industry is doing pretty well globally now. Thanks to our hard-working artistes, video directors, DJs, and so on, it’s getting better by the day.
WM: Are there any fresh Nigerian talent you’re considering for collaborations on your upcoming projects?
Idibia: That’s a tough question, because there’s a bunch of them I would love to do a collaboration with, with depending on the type of song I choose. I have a couple of them I want to work with on my album, all of which will be revealed soon.
