By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Wande Coal is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the early 2010s as a member of the Mo’Hits record label. His debut album, Mushin to Mo’Hits (2009), was a significant hit that laid a blueprint that inspired many musicians in the music industry today. Wande Coal’s music is a fusion of various genres, including Afrobeat, R&B, and Pop. His unique style and soulful voice have earned him a loyal fan base across Africa and beyond.

Wande Coal’s Legend or No Legend album is a 13-track work exploring success, love, heartbreak, self-reflection, and legacy. The album features a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, and Coal’s smooth vocals and catchy melodies are on full display. The album has been praised by critics and fans alike, and it might be a hit with Coal’s growing fan base.

Nobody Holy

The lead single on the album, “Nobody Holy,” message is about hypocrisy. Wande Coal sings about people being themselves and not trying to be perfect. He talks about being unique and how people should be responsible for their lives. “Nobody Holy” is slang to say everyone sins. The beat is catchy, and the melody is infectious. Wande Coal’s vocals are smooth and soulful. He delivers the lyrics with passion and conviction. The song is a positive message that will resonate with people of all ages.

Come my way

“Come My Way” was a previously released single which was a commercial hit. The song is a fusion of Afrobeats and amapiano, featuring a catchy melody and upbeat production. The lyrics are about finding happiness and success in life. Wande Coal sings about all the blessings coming his way, and he won’t allow anyone to come between him and his blessings. The song is a positive and uplifting message. Wande Coal’s vocals are on point; he delivers the music with passion and energy. The production is also excellent, and it perfectly complements the lyrics.

3 Square Meal

On “3 square meal.” Wande Coal sings about getting deals and just wanting a 3 square meal. He goes on to talk about his ambition and desire to succeed. He has put in the work, suffered, and survived through it all, and sometimes he is misunderstood by people who want a headline. Wande Coal’s smooth and soulful vocals match the song’s tempo to give it a calm feel. His vocals are excellent. He has a strong, clear voice perfect for the upbeat tempo. 

Dues

Wande Coal plays with different genres on this album. He traps “DUES” about paying his dues and working hard to achieve his goals. Coal sings about how he has worked hard to get where he is today and is balling and enjoying everything he has worked for. He closed the song with some Yoruba words, which didn’t blend well with the music. The song’s production is handled by Kel P, who uses a variety of instruments to create a vibrant and energetic soundscape.

E CHOKE

The song’s title is a famous catchphrase by Davido, meaning “It’s too much.” Wande Coal sings about his endless talent, spending money on girls, and enjoying his life. Wande Coal’s vocals are on point throughout the song. He delivers the lyrics with confidence and charisma. Kel P also produces the music.

Kpe Paso ft Olamide

The song features Olamide, a blend of Afrobeats and Yoruba traditional music. The lyrics discuss love, loss, and redemption in Yoruba and English. The song has a catchy melody and a danceable beat. Wande Coal and Olamide’s vocals are both excellent. They have great chemistry together, and their voices complement each other well. The song is well-mixed and mastered, and it has a clear sound.

Streets ft T-Pain

In this song, Wande Coal sings about how he came from humble beginnings and worked hard to get to where he is today. Wande Coal’s vocals are on point, and he efficiently delivers the verses. T-PAIN’s feature adds a nice touch to the song, and his autotuned vocals fit well with the overall vibe. Lyrically, “Streets” is a song about the struggles of life on the streets. Wande Coal touches on topics such as poverty and the need for perseverance. The song’s message is relatable, and the lyrics are well-written. Overall, “Streets” is a solid song from Wande Coal and T-PAIN.

Ebelebe ft Wizkid

The song starts with a catchy beat that immediately draws the listener in. Wizkid comes in with his signature style, adding a unique flavor to the music. Wande Coal’s voice is smooth as he sings about a woman he’s interested in. Their voices blend well, creating a perfect harmony. The song lyrics are simple but delivered with passion and energy. The chorus is easy to sing along to and will likely become a fan favorite. Overall, “Ebelebe” is an excellent addition to Wande Coal’s discography. The collaboration with Wizkid was a brilliant move, and the production by Kel P is top-notch. The song is perfect for a night out or a party and will surely get people on the dance floor.

Jabo ft Fireboy

The song blends Afrobeats and Dancehall with a catchy beat and infectious lyrics. The song’s title, “Jabo,” is a Yoruba word that means “fall.” The lyrics are about a man trying to woo a woman, warning her that her waist-bead must not fall. The song is a celebration of love and commitment. The song has a vibe of 2009 Wande Coal, who dropped some of his signature phrases through the music. The song has a romantic undertone, with both artists expressing their love for their significant others. The production is top-notch, with the beat transitioning flawlessly between the verses and chorus.

Don’t Feel Love

The song is a mid-tempo Afrobeats song with a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song is about the pain of heartbreak and difficulty moving on. Coal’s vocals are smooth and soulful, and he passionately delivers the lyrics. The production is lush and atmospheric and perfectly complements the song’s emotional tone. I won’t say it is a perfect way to end an album, but it shows the vulnerability we have been missing throughout the album and Coal. 

Conclusion

Wande Coal’s “Legend or No Legend” album is a masterpiece that showcases his growth as an artist, his ability to blend different genres of music is evident throughout the album, and he never fails to deliver a high-quality performance. 

The album features a mix of afrobeat, pop, R&B, and dancehall, which makes it enjoyable to listen to. The album has catchy tunes, smooth vocals, and clever lyrics. 

The album’s production quality is top-notch, and the lyrics are well-thought-out and relatable. Wande Coal’s vocal delivery on each track is exceptional, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The artists featured on the album also delivered beautifully.

The album is a collection of songs that explore the different facets of Wande Coal’s life and career, from his humble beginnings to his current status as one of Nigeria’s most successful musicians. Through the album, Wande Coal reflects on his journey and considers his historical place. He also addresses whether he is a legend and what it means to be a legend in the first place.

The album is a testament to Wande Coal’s enduring relevance in the Nigerian music industry. He has proven himself a legend and a force to be reckoned with. “Legend or No Legend” is a must-listen for Wande Coal fans and good music lovers.

Overall, Wande Coal’s “Legend or No Legend” album is a solid work that cements his status as a music legend.

Personal Favorites ( Nobody Holy, Come My Way, Kpe Paso, Ebelebe, Jabo, Don’t Feel Love)

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