For nearly two decades, the “African Queen” music video has stood as a cultural touchstone in Nigerian entertainment, but it has also been the source of a persistent industry myth.
This December, Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede finally broke her silence to address long-standing rumours suggesting a deep-seated friendship between her and fellow actress Annie Idibia, clarifying that their connection was purely professional and extremely brief.
Appearing in a candid interview on NaijaFM 102.7, Jegede dismissed the circulating narratives that have often linked the two stars as close associates. She explained that outside of their iconic appearance together in 2Face Idibia’s 2004 music video, they have moved in entirely different circles.
“Apart from the video for African Queen, I don’t think anybody has seen us together before. We don’t have common friends,” Jegede stated, highlighting the disconnect between public perception and her personal reality.
The actress took particular aim at the “baseless” stories regarding their social media interactions. Addressing claims that she and Annie Idibia had a falling out and “unfollowed” each other, Jegede pointed out a simple logistical flaw in that theory: they were never following each other to begin with.
“I don’t have a friendship relationship with Annie. I don’t know where they are getting that narrative from,” she added. “Back then, I only walked into a studio, did my thing for the African Queen video, and left.”
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The interview has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some appreciated her directness in putting an end to the speculation, others in the comment sections were more skeptical, with some suggesting “silent hatred” or “beef” between the two actresses. Some fans even questioned the necessity of the explanation, noting that the professional encounter happened over twenty years ago.
However, for industry observers, Jegede’s clarification serves as a humanizing reminder of the “colleague vs. friend” distinction in Nollywood. In an era where fans often project personal bonds onto screen stars, Jegede’s move to set the record straight ensures that the legacy of the “African Queen” video remains a professional milestone rather than a source of manufactured drama.
The “African Queen” ladies remain legends in their own right, but Jegede has made it clear: they are stars that share a history, not a contact list.