Nigeria’s music industry is set for a monumental reunion as Afrobeats pioneer D’banj has confirmed an upcoming joint tour with fellow music legends 2Face (also known as 2Baba) and Timaya. The announcement was made during a recent interview with Adesope Live in London, where D’banj reflected on the global evolution of Afrobeats and the enduring legacy of its early champions.
During the candid interview, D’banj expressed excitement about reuniting with his longtime collaborators and friends. “I was speaking with Timaya the other day and he was like, ‘Banger, it’s okay, you’ve entrepreneur enough. It’s time to come out.’ And I said the same thing. I’m speaking to 2Face as well. 2Face was telling me – let’s go on a tour together,” he said.
According to D’banj, the tour will bring together their vast discographies and give fans a nostalgic yet fresh experience. “We have myself, 2Face and Timaya. We have great bodies of work. Because of how our industry is, there is a big market for everyone. So, yes, we will be going on a tour,” he confirmed.
In addition to the tour, the Kokomaster revealed plans for a new single titled “Feeling Good” featuring 2Face, further thrilling fans of the genre who have longed for a collaboration between the two veterans. “For those who have waited, I want to thank you guys. I think that would be the tag of the tour – just to thank. Because looking back 20 years…”
The artist reminisced about the early days of Afrobeats and how it evolved from an underdog genre to a global force. “Now everybody is Afrobeats, everybody is African. But I remember when in this London it was not that great for you to say you are a Nigerian. We all wanted to be Jamaicans,” he said, highlighting how difficult it was to gain recognition for African music abroad.
Today, D’banj celebrates the remarkable shift. “There is no UK movie that I’ve seen and our music is not in. So a big kudos not just to the creatives but to the whole community — the African diaspora,” he added.
With careers spanning over two decades, D’banj, 2Face, and Timaya are regarded as foundational figures in Nigeria’s modern music scene. D’banj is best known for global hits like “Oliver Twist,” which penetrated international markets in the early 2010s. 2Face brought timeless classics like “African Queen,” while Timaya’s “Dem Mama” and subsequent hits solidified his reputation as a dancehall king.
Their collective influence laid the groundwork for the global success Afrobeats enjoys today, paving the way for contemporary stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. A joint tour featuring all three veterans promises not only to celebrate the past but also to inspire a new generation of music lovers and performers.
While specific dates and venues for the tour are yet to be announced, anticipation is already building across the continent and in diaspora communities. Industry stakeholders say this could be one of the most commercially and culturally impactful tours in recent African music history.
As D’banj, 2Face, and Timaya prepare to hit the stage together, fans can look forward to timeless hits, new music, and a celebration of the journey that transformed Afrobeats into a global powerhouse.