Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, also known as Wande Coal, is a prominent Nigerian musician who has made significant contributions to the evolution of Nigerian music.
He asserts that he played a pioneering role in introducing a
new sound that has influenced the current wave of Afrobeats artists gaining
global recognition.
In a recent interview with Cool FM Lagos, Wande Coal
expressed his desire to continue making an impact and achieving greater heights
in his musical career.
“I’m the best at what I do. I’m a legend. I know what I came
to this industry to do. I brought the new generation of sound and the new wave
of new artistes that’s happening now,” he boasted.
“I’m happy to be that guy that has done it. Also, I still
want to do more. I feel like music never ends. Music is very universal. That’s
why there are many genres of music.
“All these sounds I try to fuse them in my music. That’s why
none of my songs sound alike. Since I came into industry, I’ve shown
versatility in my songs. I also love working with new producers because music
never ends,” he added.
Wande Coal’s career in the Nigerian entertainment industry
commenced as a dancer.
In 2006, he secured a recording contract with Don Jazzy’s Mo’
Hits Records and contributed to D’banj’s album titled ‘Rundown/Funk you up’,
featuring on singles such as ‘Loke’, ‘Tonosibe’, and ‘Why Me.’
Coal rose to prominence with his debut single, ‘Ololufe,’ on
Mo’ Hits’ compilation album, ‘CV (Curriculum Vitae).’
Subsequently, he launched his critically acclaimed debut
album, ‘Mushin To Mo’Hits,’ featuring chart-topping hits such as ‘Bumper 2
Bumper’, ‘Kiss Your Hands’, ‘Se Na Like This’, ‘You Bad’, ‘Taboo’, and ‘Who
Born The Maga.’
After a prolonged absence from the music scene, Wande Coal
made a comeback with the release of his sophomore album, Wanted. While the
album received mixed reviews, it generally garnered positive feedback, with
critics placing him in the above-average category. In December 2017, Coal
released a single titled “Tur-Key Nla.” He commenced the year 2020 with the
launch of a single track called “Again,” produced by Melvitto. In 2021, he
further released another single titled “Come My Way.” In 2022, he collaborated
with rapper Olamide on the single “Hate Me,” which was released in February of
that year.
He was recognized with the Nex” Rated award at the 2010
Headies, formerly known as the Hip Hop World Awards.
Notably, Wizkid, Fireboy DML, and Oxlade have publicly
acknowledged Wande Coal as a significant source of inspiration in their musical
careers.