A trip down memory lane…
The year is 2010, and there is one artiste you cannot escape at every party, every motive. At a time when Ghanaian music was the talk of the town, a few Nigerian artists were battling it out with some of Ghana’s biggest acts. One of those acts is Wande Coal, regarded as one of the most influential voices of modern-day Afrobeats, Wande’s status as one of the greatest to ever do it on the continent cannot be overstated. While he had a number of songs making waves in Ghana at the time, the one song that took over Ghanaian airwaves and the hearts of listeners was ‘”Kiss Your Hand” with Ghanaian heavyweight duo R2bees. When people on the internet talk about a “you had to be there moment”, this is one of those moments. The song would become popular in both Ghana and Nigeria, and it has become one of the most significant song collaborations between the two countries.
Signed to Mo’hits Records at the time, his debut album “Mushin 2 Mo’hits” has been regarded by many as a turning point in Afrobeats history and would serve as a blueprint for today’s Afropop variant of Afrobeats championed by acts such as Fireboy, King Promise, Gyakie, Camidoh, Oxlade, Mista Myles, and a host of other talented acts. Looking back, we have all made memories with one Wande Coal song at one point or another in our lives. From the first time we heard “Ololufe” to “So mi So” to “Again”. He is one of the few artists who has been present throughout our lives, serenading us with premium music.
Wande Coal’s melody, delivery, and unique vocals offered a new and exciting sound that imported Western pop into the music that was being made at the time. Years down the line, his influence is heavily felt in today’s Afrobeats; Wande is still going strong with back-to-back hits and over a decade of experience under his belt. In 2023, more than ten years after releasing his debut tape, Wande Coal returns with another album titled Legend or No Legend.
Your favourite Afrobeats artists’ Papa
The 13-track project with features from T-Pain, Olamide, Wizkid and Fireboy with production credit to Kel P. P Prime, Bruno, Skrewface and KDream. The project is a very interesting one and after months of postponing release dates, we finally get to enjoy another full-length project from Wande. It comes as no surprise that the album has the title “LEGEND OR NO LEGEND.” For the works, memories and influence Wande has had on not just the Nigerian music industry but Afrobeats as it is today, he deserves to be hailed as a legend. The project does justice to the title as it is a celebration of his status within the African music ecosystem. Even after all these years, hearing Wande’s voice fills you with an astounding calmness. People who are only just being introduced to Wande may feel that he sounds like Victony, Rema or Oxlade but dare I say, Wande is literally “their Papa.” He was the falsetto and melodies man before any of the new generation Afrobeats artists started playing with falsettos and meloding on records.
With pre-released songs like “Come My Way”, “Kpe Paso” with Olamide, and “Let Them Know” already out, the album comes with 10 fresh sounds that serenade listeners with a premium listening experience. He continues his fine form of musical excellence by exploring diverse genres on the project; on the introductory song “Nobody Holy” we hear a blend of Samba and Highlife, Amapiano on “Come My Way”, and Hip-Hop/Trap on songs like “Dues” and “E Choke”. Afrobeats/Afropop on “Kpe Paso”, “Streets” featuring T-Pain, and “Ebelebe” with Wizkid. He also delves into some R&B on songs like “Genesis” and “Don’t Feel Love”.
“Legend Or No Legend” The Album
His vocals, flow, lyricism, and delivery play front and centre in each song as he finds a balance between more Western genres and his Nigerian roots. The album feels like an extended version of 2009’s “Mushin 2 Mo’Hits”. However, instead of introducing us to his skills in this department as M2M did in 2009, LONL feels like a surreal moment where Coal is flexing his muscles as he celebrates the seeds he sowed many years ago. If you are the type of listener who prefers albums with a very specific running theme in content and sound, this body of work might not be for you. Content-wise, Coal jumps from one tangent to another from song to song but reserves the majority of songs to celebrate himself, his journey, and his career, as well as love, lust, and romance.
A song like “3 Square Meal” speaks to the need for us to secure the bag. After years of putting in work, it’s hard to disagree that Wande does deserve to secure the bag in the millions and enjoy the fine life that comes with fame as an artiste of his status. He continues to celebrate his legacy in songs like “E Choke,” where he takes his time to school people who have belittled his contribution to the game. He speaks his truth, and this writer agrees with everything Wande says on this record; as far as Wande is concerned, his pen, vocals, and legacy cannot be overstated. When the Afrobeats museum that we all deserve is finally built, the museum’s voice guide should be Wande Coal’s voice, with a room dedicated to him alone. A song like “Streets” will cause some commotion this summer for the city boys and city girls. When it is all said and done, there is no spectrum when it comes to relationships; there are only two sides: you are either from the streets or against it.
For this writer, the most amazing moment on the project is the song “Jabo” with Fireboy DML, a song we desperately needed in these times. The song showcases two people from two different generations with similar stories going back-to-back, serenading their love interests with the sweetest words. They really cast a spell over this song. The vocals, production, and content are a perfect representation of the artistry of both artists. In this writer’s opinion, the album’s biggest hit will be “Ebelebe,” featuring Wizkid. Two of the most iconic artists as far as Afrobeats is concerned, striding on a P Prime beat, will be the makings of yet another “you had to be there moment” in years to come.
Concluding Thoughts
The album may not have a uniform theme in terms of content, but it truly is perfect the way it is. It would have been unfair to listeners if we did not get to hear all of these gifted sides of Wande. The album does have a beautiful running theme in terms of sound. The quality of production is premium in every sense of the word and deserves applause. The listening experience is only further enhanced by the seamless sync between songs, ensuring a smooth transition from one sound to another.
Wande Coal has showcased his versatility and proven yet again why he is so highly celebrated in the African music space. His ability to blend different instrumental elements and sounds like guitar, drums, violin, and trumpet with backing vocals and falsetto so flawlessly was never in doubt. Coal just needed to remind people of who he is, who he has been, and who he will forever be, and that is a legend.
Author: Nana Kojo Mula
