Wande Coal, born Oluwatobi Wande, is a well-known Nigerian vocalist and lyricist.
Early life and Education
Wande Coal was born on October 18, 1985, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria, to Chief Ibukun Olufunto and Omolara Oluwayemisi Ojosipe. He is the eldest of two children.
Wande Coal started his primary education at Staff Nursery and Primary School in Ijanikin, Lagos State. He then attended Federal Government College in Ijanikin, Lagos, for his secondary education. Later, he pursued a degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Lagos (Unilag), also in Lagos State.
Career
Wande Coal’s musical journey began in his church’s teenage choir. He entered the Nigerian entertainment scene as a dancer before securing a breakthrough with a signing to Don Jazzy’s Mo’ Hits Records in 2006. Collaborating with D’banj on hits like “Loke” and “Why Me,” he gained prominence as part of the Mo’ Hits all-stars and contributed significantly to the CV album. His single “Ololufe” from the album is hailed as one of Nigeria’s greatest love songs. His debut album, “Mushin To Mo’Hits,” received widespread acclaim in Nigeria, the UK, and the USA.
In recognition of his talent, Wande Coal earned the Best R&B/Pop Single award at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards and the African Artiste Of The Year award at the 2010 Ghana Music Awards.
During 2012 to 2015, Wande Coal collaborated with various Nigerian artists such as Ikechukwu, Phyno, Davido, Naeto C, Dr SID, D’Prince, and Wizkid, among others. In 2012, amidst the fallout between record label executives Don Jazzy and D’banj, Wande Coal, along with Dr SID and D’Prince, joined Don Jazzy’s new record label, Mavin Records. Tiwa Savage from 323 Entertainment also joined, becoming the label’s first lady.
However, Wande Coal parted ways with Mavin Records on November 7, 2013, citing intellectual property theft of a song with similar lyrics to one of Don Jazzy’s compositions. In response, he released a single titled “Baby Face” in November 2013, addressing the situation. That same year, he established his music label, Black Diamond Entertainment.
After a considerable break, Wande Coal returned with his second album, “Wanted.” Reviews of the album generally positioned him slightly above average. In December 2017, he released the single “Tur-Key Nla.” He started 2020 with the track “Again,” produced by Melvitto. In 2021, he unveiled another single titled “Come My Way.”
In 2022, he featured on rapper Olamide’s single “Hate Me,” released in February. Additionally, he re-released his album “Mushin2Mohits” during this period.
Personal life
In November 2017, Wande Coal tied the knot with his girlfriend, Chinemerem, in a private traditional wedding ceremony held in Lagos. However, in April 2018, Wande Coal’s ex-girlfriend and baby mama, Temitope Ogunnusi, made allegations that the singer and his mother had abducted her son in 2010 and prevented her from seeing him since then.
Accolades
Wande Coal’s accolades include:
– Next Rated at the Hip Hop World Awards 2008
– Naija’s Fastest Rising Superstar at the UNIPORT Awards 2008
– Song of the Year at Dynamix Youth Awards 2009
– Best Afro Hip Hop Video at the 2009 Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA)
– African Artiste of the Year at Ghana Music Awards 2010
– Artiste of the Year at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards
– Best R&B/Pop Single at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards
– Album of the Year at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards
– Song of the Year at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards
– Hip Hop Revelation of the Year at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards
– Best Rhythm and Blues Singer of the Year 2009 at City People Awards
– Album of the Year 2010 at City People Awards
– Outstanding Performance in the Music Industry 2010 at City People Awards
– Artist of the Year 2010 at City People Awards
Net Worth
Wande Coal is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $1.7 million.