Singer’s forthcoming album is a blessing to Nigeria

With happiness all over Nigeria, we received good news from Black Diamond entertainment – Wande Coal

Twittersphere went crazy as the news of the return of the ‘King’, was announced. Titled “Wanted”, Wande Coal went on to share a reason behind the choice of title.

This announcement bodes well for Nigerian music. 6 years ago, Wande Coal dropped one of the most classic albums that Nigeria has ever enjoyed. The “Mushin to Mohits” LP still stands today as one of the favorites of a number of Nigerians.

Still signed on to Mohits at the height of their dominance Wande’s talent shone through, and into the hearts of everyone. He has since went on to consolidate his pop status as one of the best in Nigeria.

WATCH: Wande Coal - 'Same shit' ft AKA

But with the split of Mohits, and the instability of Mavin Records, the man has had to struggle to maintain a level of commitment to his art. The acrimonious split with Don Jazzy in 2013 played a huge role in this, with Wande setting up Black Diamond Entertainment.

2015 has seen the singer also show a considerable lack of activity leading up to this album release. With the turn of the new year, initial plans by Wande Coal involved releasing this album, by the mid-point of 2015. July was the target.

LISTEN: Wande Coal – 'Ashimapeyin'

But by July, the singer was just releasing his debut single ‘Ashimapeyin’. The song has since grown into one of the dance staples of clubs and parties. But it didn’t reach the height that was expected of a single by Wande Coal. If anything, his stellar effort on Patoranking’s melodious juggernaut ‘My woman, my everything’, was better appreciated. A new single, ‘Same shit’ featuring AKA hit the fans in September, and it is steadily climbing with a crisp video to aid that.

This album should have been out earlier. But competitively, there is still space for Wande Coal in the market. All our other pop singers, including Wizkid, Davido, Skales and others haven’t significantly stepped their game up to eclipse Wande’s talent. Even all the good moves from Praiz still can’t plug in that space. Wande returns to a scene ready and waiting for him.

Also, the art direction of album artwork leaves a lot to be desired. Many will accept anything in Nigeria, but Wande Coal sits on an emotional pedestal that mandates he gives his best. Appearing in a greyscale art, decked in a shirt and a jacket, with shades to create a dark, ominous, criminal effort isn’t Wande Coal’s best move. An artwork on many levels is meant to inspire purchase, and in many ways, contribute to the distribution of the album. This doesn’t feel like it happened.

The new album will hit Nigeria on October 26, and the new artwork will lead a series of promotional moves designed to generate enough hype for its arrival. Wande Coal’s album isn’t just good news for Nigeria. It’s a blessing.

Watch Wande Coal's performance in Pulse TV video below.