In a candid revelation, popular singer Joe El Amadi has opened up about the significant impact of his striking resemblance to fellow artist 2Baba on his music career.
In a recent interview, Joe El shared that constant comparisons to the iconic musician have created numerous obstacles in his path to success.
The singer disclosed that some industry executives and media personalities have denied him opportunities solely based on his physical similarity to 2Baba.
“The downsides of 2Baba comparisons almost broke me down,” Joe El said. He recounted a particularly disheartening incident at Club Rumours, where a presenter from Sound City confronted him, boasting that he had instructed his team not to play Joe El’s music because he was seen as mimicking 2Baba.
This pattern of exclusion continued at various industry events, including Festac Carnival 2013, where an event planner refused to allow him to perform, citing his resemblance to 2Baba.
Joe El also recalled a discouraging experience during an interview at Cool FM, where a presenter expressed that he couldn’t interview someone who “imitates” 2Baba.
Feeling frustrated, Joe El confided in his mother and his record label boss, Baba Keke, who advised him to remain calm amidst the challenges.
He shared, “Sometimes, when I try to pay homage to 2Baba when we meet in public, some of his team members will block me.”
However, Joe El noted that his collaboration with 2Baba on the 2015 track “Hold On” played a crucial role in changing public perception. This partnership helped establish him as a distinct artist in his own right.
When questioned about his departure from Kennis Music, Joe El clarified that it was simply the natural conclusion of his contract, stating, “It was over.”
Despite the hurdles he faced, Joe El remains committed to forging his own identity in the music industry.