Omanghana
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, performed at the Bongo Flava@30 anniversary festival in Mbeya, Tanzania, as fans gathered to celebrate three decades of the country’s popular music genre.
The event took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Eden Highlands Hotel, bringing together established Tanzanian artistes and music lovers for an evening of performances.
2Baba was among the headline acts and received an enthusiastic response from the audience, adding a Nigerian presence to the celebration.
Tanzanian Stars Join the Celebration
The festival featured a lineup of performers associated with the growth of Bongo Flava, including Mr Blue, Juma Nature, Chidi Benz, Afande Sele, Gangwe Mob and Kalapina.
Their appearances formed part of a wider anniversary program recognizing artistes who have contributed to the genre’s development over the past 30 years. The Mbeya event followed earlier celebrations in other locations, including Zanzibar.
Bongo Flava emerged in Tanzania in the 1990s, drawing on hip-hop, R&B, reggae and local musical influences. It has since become an influential part of East Africa’s contemporary music scene.
A Cross-Border Musical Moment
2Baba, formerly known as 2Face Idibia, has built a following across Africa through a career spanning several decades. His participation in the Mbeya festival brought together Nigerian and Tanzanian music audiences for the anniversary celebration.
The event highlighted the reach of Bongo Flava and the connections between African artistes and fans across national borders.
Source: Omanghana
