WANDE COAL: The Afrobeats’ Vocal Blueprint?

Wande Coal, an iconic figure in Afrobeats, might find it bewildering that some folks fail to acknowledge his legendary status. The naysayers are swiftly reminded of his remarkable achievements—chart-topping hits, coveted awards, and other accolades that epitomize success in today’s music landscape. But what truly defines Wande Coal as a legend?

Adding an intriguing layer to the conversation is the anticipation surrounding his album, which aims to underscore his undeniable impact. With a career spanning since 2006, the 38-year-old artist made an indelible mark with a critically acclaimed debut project that influenced the likes of Wizkid and the more recent sensation, Oxlade. Back in the day, he stood alongside the dynamic duo of D’Banj, guided by the visionary Don Jazzy.

Wande Coal‘s wondrous journey has been nearly flawless, save for an unfortunate incident in 2010 when his private photos were leaked. Olamide, in his poetic verses, rapped about the ordeal and drew parallels to Davido‘s similar predicament in the song Picture. Incensed by the situation, Wande Coal declined Ice Prince‘s offer to feature on Gimme Dat alongside Olamide, replacing his verse with Burna Boy‘s. In response, Wande Coal unleashed Go Low, a defiant anthem cursing his adversaries, which later became the foundation for Fireboy DML‘s chart-topper Peru in 2021.

While older aficionados passionately hail Wande Coal‘s iconic album Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits as an everlasting masterpiece, his mesmerizing vocals command the utmost respect. In 2023, this sparked a spirited debate, pitting a new generation of listeners against the traditionalists in the Afrobeats realm. One can’t help but notice a tweet from a contemporary music enthusiast claiming that, based on vocal prowess, Rema shares the same magnitude as Wande Coal.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that numerous Afrobeats luminaries regard Wande Coal as a profound influence. Wizkid, a trailblazer himself, credits Wande Coal for shaping his musical path, and Oxlade echoes the sentiment. Fireboy DML reveres him as an idol while emerging talents like YKB recognize his significance. Teni, Reekado Banks, Peruzzi, and others attribute their growth to the invaluable inspiration drawn from his artistry. Mayorkun, in his contribution to Davido‘s album A Better Time, playfully questions, “Shey you sing pass Wande Coal?” It’s worth mentioning that Davido himself shared formative experiences with Wande Coal in the early stages of his career.

Whether praising his vocal virtuosity or recounting how his debut album ignited their passion, these artists collectively testify to Wande Coal‘s extraordinary talent. His discography seamlessly weaves between ethereal falsettos and resonant vocal depths, leaving an indelible imprint on the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeats. 

As the much-anticipated Legend Or No Legend album sheds light on Wande Coal‘s pivotal role in the genre’s explosion, the entire Afrobeats community eagerly waited till it was dropped, a resounding declaration from the maestro, the very blueprint of vocal Afrobeats.