Away and Beyond
Away & Beyond is the fifth solo studio album by Nigerian singer 2Face Idibia. It was released on 30 April 2012 by Hypertek Entertainment, after being recorded in 2011–2012. The album blends reggae, dancehall, afrobeats, hip-hop and soul and runs about 58 minutes. It features guests including Naeto C, Dammy Krane, Terry Tha Rapman, Huma Lara, Becca and Rocksteady, with production from Femdouble, G.Sol, Jay Sleek, Clutchie, DJ Willie O, Kaywa, Spellz and Kiki Banson.
The release followed 2Face’s 2010 album The Unstoppable International Edition. The launch took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos during Buckwyld ’n’ Breathless on 30 April 2012, with performances from Vector, M.I, Kas, D’banj, Sound Sultan and others. Plantashun Boiz, 2Face’s former group, reunited for the ceremony, and he publicly proposed to Annie Macaulay during a performance of “African Queen.”
Lead singles and videos helped promote the album. The lead single “Chemical Reaction” featuring Naeto C came out on 18 September 2011 and was included on the NOW Muzik compilation Love Drunk: Elite Vocalist Lounge Vol. 1. The second single, “Bad Man, Bad Girl” (with Becca), was released on 28 February 2012 and later appeared on Becca’s Time 4 Me (2013). “Rainbow” followed on 4 April 2012; its video features footage from Idibia’s wedding to Annie Macaulay.
Videos and notable work continued after the album’s release. Clarence Peters directed the video for “Ihe Neme,” released 25 September 2012, which earned Best Visual Effects at the Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) and a nomination for Best Contemporary Afro. The Headies 2013 crowned it Best Pop Single. The Godfather Productions directed “Dance Floor” (video released 17 February 2013), which spawned a remix with Sarkodie and Cabo Snoop available on Away & Beyond Plus (the 2014 deluxe edition). On 16 May 2013, 2Face released the video for “Omo No Dulling” featuring Rocksteady and Dammy Krane. The official remix of “Rainbow” featuring T-Pain arrived 28 May 2013 and is included on the deluxe edition. The Rainbow remix won Most Gifted R&B Music Video at Channel O’s 2014 awards and earned other nominations.
Other videos followed: “Dance in the Rain” (27 March 2014) and the animated “Higher (Spiritual Healing)” released 4 April 2014, directed by Clarence Peters. The animation was noted for its originality and storytelling, with critics calling it a fresh take on music video production.
Away & Beyond received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its maturity, emotional depth and cohesive production. Nigerian Entertainment Today gave it 4/5, noting thoughtful concepts and a calm, emotional tone. Other reviewers highlighted 2Face’s growth in content and vocal delivery, with some calling it one of the year’s best Nigerian albums.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 18:36 (CET).