Wande Coal Reveals Bold Claim About Nigerian Music’s New Wave

Renowned singer Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, claims he pioneered the modern sound of Nigerian music and inspired the current wave of globally trending Afrobeats artists.

In a recent interview with Cool FM Lagos, the ‘Bumper 2 Bumper’ artist expressed pride in his achievements but emphasized his desire to continue evolving.

“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 artists that’s happening now,” he asserted. “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 the industry, I’ve shown versatility in my songs. I also love working with new producers because music never ends,” he added.

Wande Coal started in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a dancer before signing with Don Jazzy’s Mo’ Hits Records in 2006. He featured on D’banj’s ‘Rundown/Funk You Up’ album with tracks like ‘Loke,’ ‘Tonosibe,’ and ‘Why Me.’ He gained prominence with his first single on Mo’ Hits’ compilation album ‘CV (Curriculum Vitae),’ ‘Ololufe.’

His critically acclaimed debut album ‘Mushin To Mo’Hits’ included hits like ‘Bumper 2 Bumper,’ ‘Kiss Your Hands,’ ‘Se Na Like This,’ ‘You Bad,’ ‘Taboo,’ and ‘Who Born The Maga.’ He won the Next Rated award at the 2010 Headies, then called the Hip Hop World Awards.

Artists like Wizkid, Fireboy DML, and Oxlade have acknowledged Wande Coal’s influence on their music in various interviews.