UPDATE: (October 5, 2007
Last year, 2Face has made his debut on Yahoo Music his hit single, "Proud to be African" with Wyclef Jean. And although actress Mo'Nique was unable to make the trip to Nigeria for the Nigerian premiere of the movie, 2Face captured the hearts of Americans everywhere. That's why his shooting was so upsetting to the world. To learn more, visit http://blog.blackpressafrica.com.

Special Report (BlackPressMagazine.com) by DC Livers for Black Press Magazine

I recently spent a hot, Friday summer night with Nigerian-born reggae/ Afro Hip Hop star 2Face "2 Face" Idibia and as I listened to the sexy singer/rapper, it was if he spun musical web all around me. With little effort, I took it all in and watched with awe as he worked his mojo on the crowd of unsuspecting women, many of whom were justifiably driven into a frenzy. He could easily be in People magazine's most beautiful people list. 2Face is hot!

It was an evening I will likely never forget, though not in the way you may think. Standing in front of the stage watching him perform might have been a rush, but it took a cold back seat to interviewing him one-on-one for about 20 minutes at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, the posh nightclub located on DC's southwest harbor for Black Press Magazine.

His shy temperament and sweet smile made it easy for us to talk about everything from life, music and he revealed his inspiration for his hit song, "African Queen." From the country that gave the world pop star Seal, jazz and R&B singer Sade comes a man who is arguably one of the most important artists of all. Born Innocent Ujah Idibia in Jos, Nigeria just outside of the capital city of Abuja, Tuface, also known as 2Face, is on a one man crusade to change the image of African music and to elevate the genre to the stature of Reggaeton. He's even snagged lucrative endorsements including a hefty deal with Guinness Stout worth N22 million or about a quarter million US dollars. What's more, 2Face has sold more than 1.5 million copies of the African Queen video and he's released a remix of the popular song. Sales of the song are expected to soar next month when he and the cast attend the Nigerian premiere of Phat Girlz on July 12 in Lagos.

"2Face should be getting more airplay in the United States," said Olutomi Agboola the Nigerian American correspondent for Black Press. "He's that good."

But while he has accomplished a great deal, not everyone appreciates what 2Face has done or stands for. Some fans are still upset that he left the popular boy band a few years back and his Nigerian home was recently burglarized while he and his family slept.

"Love him or hate him, 2Face Idibia has entered his name into the history books as one of the biggest musical revelations that ever came out of Nigeria," wrote Olumide Iyanda, Deputy Life Editor of a Nigerian publication. What's more the MTV Award he won is special because the winner is not chosen solely by the United States but by 16 member countries.

2 Face's New Track, For Instance, Proves He's Here to Stay

Say what you say, but I took away from our conversation great respect for him as an artist, as a man and as a revolutionary. I truly believe he will win his battle to put African musician into millions of American homes and the respect that comes with it.

He's well on his way. 2Face's new track, FOR INSTANCE, includes the lyrics "I will move this country forward. Respect my skills for instance. Respect your own stance. Holler Oh Yeah! " The track is blazing hot and includes Marleyesque vocals, crazy rhythm, top-notch and of course the R Kelly-like lyrics we've come to expect from 2Face. The track even has an appearance Wyclef Jean. Still some will say he's been enhanced by machines. No so as he proves with a bone chilling acapella version. For instance is simply slamming that is sure to be rewarded with big airtime play here in the United States and throughout the world.

Below is the excerpt of our interview:

DC: Thanks for allowing me to hang out with you tonight and for this exclusive interview. I really appreciate it.

2F: "You're welcome. I'm glad you could make it."

DC: So, I've gotta say I'm new to your music but you really captured me tonight with your performance and your energy. Where does the energy, the influence come from?

2F: "Thank you. I'm glad you like it. I like to write and sing about things that are real. In all that I do I try to keep things real so I'm influenced by people. People that I see, people that I know. Things that I experience."

DC: That's very interesting. I'd be remised if I didn't ask you, where did the name TuFace come from and what does it mean?

2F: "I believe we all have two sides. A good side and a bad side. Two faces. I chose the name because it symbolizes that."

DC: Let's talk about the hit song, African Queen from the movie Phat Girlz. How did that opportunity come about?

2F: "The producers heard the song and really loved it and wanted it to be in the movie so it was. It was a great opportunity."

DC: Did you get to meet Mo'Nique [the actress that starred in the movie]?

2F: "No I did not. I haven't gotten a chance to meet her but I have big respect. I hope that we get to meet soon."

DC: I thought that movie was very sensual, very erotic on some levels. You're young and attractive and from the reactions of the ladies in the audience when you performed tonight it's clear that they felt the same way about you. So, 2Face, tell me. Just between you and me, who is your African Queen? Who inspired you to make that song?

2F: " I don't have anyone special in my life right now, but I do have a mom. I have a sister and women in my family, my life. My inspiration for the song was my respect and love for the African woman. I wanted a song to celebrate their strength, show my gratitude and appreciation for how they support us, the African man. I'm not the "meet me in my hotel room" kind of guy. It's not about that. To me, African women are very warm, and they know how to take care of their family. I wanted a way to say I love you because I love each of them." 2Face Idibia is determined to prove that he is here to stay and music fans and critics alike are taking notice. In November 2005 when MTV declared 2Face the best African act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Lisbon, Portugal, it was the first time that honor was be bestowed on anybody. But he hasn't stopped there. Since winning the "Best African Musician Award", 2Face also won the MOBO Award, which is (an acronym for Music Of Black Origin) Awards are held annually in the UK to recognize leading Black musicians. (Come back for the full interview next week.)