Plateau State, popularly known as the "Home of Peace and Tourism," is not just blessed with scenic landscapes and cultural diversity, but also home to some of the biggest music stars in Nigeria. From the tin-mining hills of Jos to the top charts of Africa and beyond, musicians from Plateau have consistently made their mark in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In this blog post, we go in-depth into the lives and successes of the top four richest musicians from Plateau State: P-Square, 2Baba, M.I Abaga, and Ice Prince.
1. P-Square (Peter and Paul Okoye)
When it comes to Nigerian music exports, P-Square stands tall among the giants. The identical twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, were born on November 18, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State. Their music journey began in Jos, where they started performing in school shows and small events before eventually moving to Lagos to pursue music professionally.
P-Square burst into the limelight in the early 2000s with their debut album Last Nite. They followed it up with hit albums like Get Squared, Game Over, and Danger, which cemented their place in African music history. Their sound—a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop—quickly resonated with fans across the continent.
Financially, P-Square enjoyed massive success, with reports suggesting they were once the highest-paid African artists. They commanded performance fees running into tens of thousands of dollars per show, especially during their peak years. They toured globally, headlining sold-out concerts in the United States, Europe, and major African countries. Their lifestyle also reflected their wealth, owning luxury properties in Lagos, Banana Island, and even overseas. One of their most famous properties, Squareville, became a landmark in Omole Estate, Lagos.
The duo also landed several lucrative endorsement deals, including with telecom giant Globacom, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of naira. Although they had a falling out in 2016 which led to solo careers—Mr. P (Peter) and Rudeboy (Paul)—the brothers reunited in 2021, and their comeback was met with massive fan support. The legacy of P-Square remains one of dominance, resilience, and success.
2. 2Baba (Innocent Ujah Idibia)
Another Plateau-born music legend is Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia). He was born on September 18, 1975, in Jos and grew up with a passion for music. 2Baba started his musical journey with the Plantashun Boiz group before going solo and releasing one of Nigeria’s most iconic albums, Face 2 Face, in 2004.
The album’s lead single, “African Queen,” turned him into a continental superstar. It was even featured in a Hollywood movie soundtrack—Phat Girlz—a feat that opened global doors for him. Over the years, 2Baba maintained relevance with hit songs, albums, and collaborations. He has won countless awards, including MTV Europe Music Awards, BET Awards, Headies Awards, and more.
In terms of wealth, 2Baba is among the richest musicians from Nigeria. His estimated net worth is believed to be in the multimillion-dollar range. He owns several luxurious homes in Nigeria, including properties in Lagos and Abuja. His Banana Island home alone is said to be worth hundreds of millions of naira. He also has a notable investment portfolio, ranging from hospitality to agriculture.
2Baba has endorsement deals with companies like Airtel, Guinness, and Oraimo, among others. His philanthropic efforts, especially through the 2Baba Foundation, also stand him out as a socially responsible entertainer. Despite being in the industry for over two decades, he remains relevant and respected, a true legend from Jos.
3. M.I Abaga (Jude Lemfani Abaga)
Jos has always been known for its hip-hop culture, and one of the brightest products of that scene is Jude Lemfani Abaga, famously known as M.I Abaga. Born on October 4, 1981, M.I grew up in Jos and fell in love with rap and spoken word poetry. He started his career with the release of his groundbreaking song “Crowd Mentality” which instantly made waves in his hometown.
M.I shot into national fame with his debut album Talk About It in 2008. He quickly became the voice of a generation and was widely credited for changing the face of rap music in Nigeria. Songs like “Safe,” “Teaser,” and “Anoti” made him a household name. His follow-up albums, including MI2 and Chairman, further solidified his spot as one of Africa’s top lyricists.
Apart from his music, M.I made significant moves in the business of entertainment. He served as CEO of Chocolate City Music, one of Nigeria’s biggest record labels, and helped discover and nurture talents like Ice Prince, Brymo, and Jesse Jagz (his younger brother). His ability to mix art and business has earned him both respect and wealth.
M.I’s estimated net worth runs into millions of dollars. He earns from music sales, performances, brand endorsements, and business ventures. He is known for being meticulous and private with his lifestyle but has been spotted with exotic cars and luxurious properties. His influence in the rap scene is still very much alive, and he continues to inspire young talents.
4. Ice Prince (Panshak Henry Zamani)
Panshak Henry Zamani, popularly known as Ice Prince, is another musical heavyweight from Jos, Plateau State. Born on October 30, 1986, Ice Prince’s journey to fame wasn’t a smooth one. He started by recording songs in Jos and performing at local events. His big break came when he released the single “Oleku” in 2010, which became one of the most remixed songs in Nigerian history.
“Oleku” introduced a fresh sound to Nigerian music—hip-hop laced with local flavour and catchy choruses. Ice Prince capitalized on the hit by releasing his debut album Everybody Loves Ice Prince, which was well-received both locally and internationally. He went on to win several awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act (Africa).
Ice Prince's style and swag made him a fan favourite, and he became a staple in African hip-hop. He went on to collaborate with international acts like French Montana and Gyptian. His stage presence, lyrical dexterity, and fashion sense kept him in the public eye.
Though not as active today as during his peak years, Ice Prince has made a solid financial footing through music, brand deals, and appearances. His estimated net worth runs into several hundred million naira. He owns cars like a Bentley and a Range Rover, and he reportedly owns a mansion in Lagos.
Conclusion
The city of Jos in Plateau State has produced some of Nigeria’s finest music talents. From the globally celebrated duo P-Square to the ever-relevant 2Baba, the lyrical genius M.I Abaga, and the trendy Ice Prince, these artists have not only made Plateau proud but have also shaped the Nigerian music industry in their own unique ways. Their journeys are proof that talent, when backed with consistency and hard work, leads to great wealth and influence.
If you’re an aspiring musician from Plateau or anywhere in Nigeria, let these stars inspire you. The road may be tough, but with passion and perseverance, you too can reach the top.
