Veteran music executive and CEO of Kennis Music, Kenny Ogungbe, popularly known as Baba Keke, has addressed long-standing rumors surrounding the breakup of the iconic Nigerian music group, Plantashun Boiz.

The group, which consisted of 2Face (now 2Baba), Blackface, and Faze, split in 2004 following the release of their second album, Sold Out. Over the years, speculation has persisted that the group disbanded because 2Face signed a solo deal with Kennis Music.

However, speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Baba Keke set the record straight, asserting that the group had already dissolved before 2Face approached him for a record deal.

“I Didn’t Break Plantashun Boiz” – Baba Keke

Dispelling the rumors, Ogungbe clarified:

“People have been saying I’m the one responsible for the breakup of Plantashun Boiz. That’s not true. 2Face came to me himself after the group had broken up, saying he wanted to sign with Kennis Music. Eedris Abdulkareem even encouraged me to sign him, which I did.”

Ogungbe’s statement highlights a narrative often overlooked in the group’s history. Plantashun Boiz eventually reunited in 2007 for their third and final album, Plan B, but split again shortly afterward, cementing their legacy as a group whose influence far outlasted their active years.

Opinion: Revisiting the Plantashun Boiz Legacy

The breakup of Plantashun Boiz was a turning point in Nigerian music history, giving rise to one of Africa’s most celebrated solo artists, 2Baba. While the group’s disbandment remains a sore point for fans, Baba Keke’s clarification serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics behind creative partnerships.

Groups like Plantashun Boiz often face internal and external pressures, from creative differences to the lure of solo opportunities. In this case, 2Face’s decision to pursue a solo career was a natural evolution rather than a betrayal.

The Myth of Group Breakups

Baba Keke’s revelation also sheds light on how narratives around group breakups can be misunderstood. The public often attributes blame to external forces, but the truth is usually more nuanced. For Plantashun Boiz, their breakup was likely the result of evolving individual ambitions rather than manipulation by industry players.

A Legacy Untarnished

Despite their split, Plantashun Boiz’s impact on Nigerian music remains undisputed. Their songs continue to resonate with fans, and their influence is evident in the generation of artists they inspired.

Kenny Ogungbe’s role in nurturing 2Baba’s solo career further underscores his contribution to Nigerian music. While he has often been painted as a divisive figure in this narrative, his clarification offers a more balanced perspective, emphasizing his role as an enabler of talent rather than a disruptor.

As fans revisit the legacy of Plantashun Boiz, Baba Keke’s insight serves as a valuable reminder: the end of a group doesn’t necessarily signify the end of its influence. Instead, it can mark the beginning of new chapters for its members, as exemplified by the enduring success of 2Baba.

Plantashun Boiz may no longer be together, but their music and story continue to inspire, proving that some legacies transcend the individuals who create them.