2Face’s new album ascends US charts

The new album of Nigeria’s award winning musician, 2Face Idibia, titled “the Ascension”, has been listed Number 12 on the US Billboard charts for World Music.

The Ascension, which is 2Faces’ sixth studio album, was released on July 21 in Lagos, by his music label, the 960 Music Group.

The album features other Nigerian artistes including Bridget Kelly, Vector, Dammy Krane, Iceberg Slim and Fally Ipupa.

A statement by Mr Mark Redguard, the CEO of 960 Music, obtained in Abuja, said the Billboard World Music chart is compiled from the week’s top-selling world music albums, ranked by sales data.

It added that sales are also monitored from digital stores including iTunes, streaming like Spotify and even radio airplay.

The statement said that this international exposure will serve to get the album more of the recognition it rightly deserves, adding that it will further promote African music and Idibia’s skill as a music legend.

The Ascension is a title that leans on the Biblical tale of the death and resurrection, and eventual ascension of Christ which heralded bigger and better things (especially for his followers).

Since the release of his debut album over a decade ago, 2Face has continued to impact positively on the Nigerian music scene.

He has won many awards and has been regularly recognised for his outstanding contribution to the growth of music in Africa.

He is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists and bankable artists in Africa.

2Face has received one MTV Europe Music Award, one World Music Award, five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Video Awards and one BET Award for his musical work.

Others are four MTV Africa Music Awards, one MOBO Award, and one KORA award, among others.

Meanwhile, Sam Nwokoye, a fan who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed delight over the listing, described 2face as a hard worker and deserved the best.

“Who God has blessed, no one can curse,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Okechukwu Israel, said the listing of the album was an image booster not only to 2Face, but for the country in general.

“This great success is a plus to the Nigeria music and entertainment industry; I believe Nigerian music will take over the entertainment world some day,” said Israel.