Joe El Amadi recently shared on the Hoha podcast that his striking resemblance to Nigerian music icon 2Baba has significantly influenced his career — and not always in positive ways. Known for his vocal talent and contributions to the Nigerian music industry, Joe El has spent years trying to carve out his own identity, but he faced unique challenges due to his similarity to 2Baba.
In a candid interview, Joe El opened up about the frustration he’s endured, recalling instances where music executives and media personalities denied him access to their platforms solely because of his resemblance to 2Baba. Here’s how Joe El’s career has been affected and the surprising incidents that left a lasting mark on him.
Being Compared to 2Baba Took a Toll on Joe El’s Career
Joe El shared that comparisons to 2Baba weren’t always flattering. In fact, they became major barriers to his success. He revealed that certain music industry insiders took his resemblance to the African Queen crooner as grounds to prevent him from gaining visibility. This included staff from high-profile media houses and event organizers. Joe El cited an incident at Cool FM, a popular Nigerian radio station, where he was reportedly denied an interview because of his alleged likeness to 2Baba.
“The downsides of 2Baba comparisons almost broke me down,” Joe El revealed. “Some presenters at Cool FM and Sound City, and an event planner at Festac Carnival 2013, denied me access to their platforms for looking like 2Baba.”
Facing Industry Bias at Sound City and Festac Carnival
According to Joe El, his resemblance to 2Baba even led to a confrontation with a Sound City presenter. The presenter, as Joe El recounted, told him that he had instructed his colleagues not to play Joe El’s songs, accusing him of imitating 2Baba’s style. Similarly, at the Festac Carnival in 2013, an event planner allegedly refused Joe El a spot on stage, stating that he couldn’t perform because he looked like “their King 2Face.”
Attempts to Build Connections Blocked by 2Baba’s Team
Beyond media and event challenges, Joe El shared that even his efforts to connect with 2Baba’s circle were met with resistance. On multiple occasions, Joe El tried to pay homage to 2Baba in public, only to be intercepted by 2Baba’s team members. Despite these challenges, Joe El didn’t let the setbacks deter him entirely. He reached out to his family and record label boss, Baba Keke, who encouraged him to stay resilient and calm.
Turning Point: Collaboration with 2Baba on “Hold On”
The turning point in Joe El’s career came in 2015 when he collaborated with 2Baba on the track Hold On. This partnership finally allowed the public to see Joe El as an artist in his own right rather than merely a 2Baba lookalike. The collaboration not only boosted his reputation but also demonstrated his unique talent and artistry.
Departure from Kennis Music
After 12 years with Kennis Music, Joe El left the label, citing the end of his contract as the reason. His time with Kennis was transformative, but leaving allowed him the freedom to explore new directions without the shadow of his contract and label’s obligations.
The Struggle to Forge His Own Path
Joe El’s story highlights the unexpected challenges that can arise in the music industry. His experience underscores how, at times, perceptions and comparisons can create obstacles for artists who simply want to pursue their passion. Joe El’s journey reflects the resilience it takes to overcome industry bias and negative comparisons, proving that dedication and authenticity can eventually overcome stereotypes and assumptions.
Joe El’s story serves as an important reminder of the hurdles artists can face, even when their talents shine bright. Despite the challenges, Joe El has shown remarkable persistence, continuing to create music and stay true to himself. His experiences may inspire other artists facing similar struggles, reminding them that success is often a journey through both struggles and triumphs.
