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Who is Wande Coal and what’s his net worth?
Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe born 18 October 1985 is one of the songwriters and singers that shaped the growth of Afrobeat in Nigeria early in the days.
His big break came in 2006 after he met Don Jazzy, got signed to D’banj’s Mo’Hits, and released his first single ‘Bumper 2 Bumper’ which quickly became a banger on the streets, the clubs, and even at homes.
Though Wande Coal doesn’t drop songs back to back as he used to, he’s still respected in the music scene and having him on a musical project is like having all the OGs because his trajectory goes way back and his contribution to the global spread of Afrobeat and Nigerian music is enormous.
Wande has amassed a massive net worth estimated at $10 million US dollars. Converted to Naira, that would be approximately ₦15,889,600,450.00 (fifteen billion eight hundred eighty-nine million six hundred thousand four hundred fifty naira) His source of income is both from music royalties and endorsement deals from big brands like ‘Legend Extra Stout’ and ‘Glo’.
Wande Coal’s parents and siblings
Wande Coal’s parents are Chief Ibukun Olufunto Ojosipe and Mrs. Omolara Oluwayemisi Ojosipe. His father doesn’t have much information publicly available. His mother is known to be a Home Economics teacher at the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos.
Wande Coal actually only has one sibling, a younger brother named Towa Ojosipe, who goes by the stage name Tee Josh.
Tee Josh also has a passion for music, just like his older brother. There have been reports of him planning to pursue a music career under Wande Coal’s Black Diamond record label. He’s also a graduate of the University of Lagos, where he obtained a degree in Systems Engineering in 2013.
Wande Coal’s wife, girlfriend, and children
Wande Coal’s wife
As of March 2024, there is no public information confirming that Wande Coal is married.
In July 2023, Big Brother Naija participant, Erica Nlewedim caused a stir online by claiming to be married to Wande Coal for a year. She shared photos on social media, but it turned out to be a joke or misunderstanding, possibly related to a music video shoot.
“Today makes it a year since we got married! Happy anniversary to us,” she tweeted.
In the next tweet, she emphasized her marriage with Wande Coal, “Looking at our wedding pictures awww,” she tweeted again.
In a short while, the tweet circulated and got to her parents as people were texting and calling them fervently to confirm if Erica’s tweet is true. She shared a screenshot of the conversations with her mom, blaming social media users for spreading the post till it got to her parents.
“See what you people have caused. My mom sent this. Her tweet said, in the screenshotted chat, her mom asked, “Ngo, are you the one that posted the video of yourself and Wande Coal? When did you get married? People are calling from Arochukwu, is it true”?
In another tweet she said, “Now my dad has called me and said about 12 people called him to ask if I got married. Mhen who sent me to make this kind of joke?”
Wande Coal’s children
Wande Coal has at least two children, a son and a daughter, though he may have others that he chooses to keep private.
His first public acknowledgement of a child came in 2014, revealing a son he called Coal Jnr., who was already five years old at the time. Wande Coal reportedly didn’t know about his son until he was two years old.
In 2023, Wande Coal shared a video on his social media showing his daughter. There aren’t many details about her, but the video sparked positive reactions about their resemblance.
Wande Coal’s educational background
Wande Coal went through a full educational track in Lagos, Nigeria. He began at Staff Nursery and Primary School Ijanikin, Lagos State and continued his education at Federal Government College Ijanikin, also in Lagos.
Wande Coal then went to the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) for his undergraduate studies. There seems to be some variation in information about his exact area of study. According to some sources, he obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Curriculum Studies, a field focused on designing and implementing educational programs. However, Wikipedia mentions his major as Human Kinetics, which is the science of physical activity and movement.
So, Wande Coal has a university degree, though there’s slight inconsistency about the specific field.
Wande Coal’s gradual rise to fame
After being signed to Mo’Hits Records in 2006, Wande Coal’s career blossomed. He wasn’t just a singer, he became a key player in the label’s success.
Coal didn’t just release solo hits. He featured on D’banj’s album, “Rundown/Funk You Up,” on tracks like “Loke,” “Tonosibe,” and “Why Me,” contributing significantly to the project’s success. This period also saw him as part of the Mo’Hits Allstars, a collaborative group within the label. Their album, “CV (Curriculum Vitae),” was a success, with Wande Coal’s single “Ololufe” being hailed as a classic love song in Nigerian music.
His debut album, “Mushin To Mo’Hits,” was a major release. It garnered widespread acclaim across Nigeria, the UK, and even the USA. His talent was recognized with awards like “Best R&B/Pop Single” at the 2010 Hip Hop World Awards and “African Artiste Of The Year” at the 2010 Ghana Music Awards.
Mo’ Hits Records eventually dissolved in 2012, but Wande Coal’s career has continued to flourish as a solo artist.
6 questions and answers on Wande Coal’s life

It seemed like Wande Coal took an indefinite break from music, what inspired him to return to the music scene?
It’s a bit tough to pinpoint exactly what inspired Wande Coal to return to the music scene after a long period of silence. But judging from the following statement he made we can draw out some clues. “I want to be outside because, you know, in this time to still be relevant is a great blessing, ” he said “I’m intentional, yes. Persistent, yes. Consistent, yes. This is because, you know, I mean when I entered the industry, I wanted to bring something different into the industry and I believe I did that as soon as I came into the industry.
“My flows, my choruses like my everything, you know, I put my all into it just because I wanted to be this person that I am today and not only this person but to be another person to inspire a lot of people like a lot of the next generation of sounds, the next generation of artists. That’s what I wanted to do. And I came into the industry and I made sure I did that, and I’m still doing it, so that that alone is grace and the grace of God. And I’m, I’m happy to be here”.
Here are few points to note from that statement:
- Wande Coal may have been nostalgic of his earlier days in the music scene.
- Probably he realized the impact he had on the Nigerian music scene and decided to keep it up.
As an OG in the music industry, how does Coal arrange his body of work from singles to albums?
Wande Coal reportedly shed light on his creative process, explaining the difference between crafting singles and albums. He said that for singles, it’s all about creating an infectious party vibe. “When I drop singles, you already know, like okay, this one, ” he said, emphasizing his intention. “I want to do this intentionally because I want people to party.” He described the focus on picking the right beat and choosing a topic that gets people moving.
In contrast, Wande Coal explained that albums demand a more comprehensive approach. He acknowledged a shift from the “old template” of music he encountered when entering the industry. Back then, according to Wande Coal, every album included a “cautionary song” with a serious message. He said he followed this concept with his debut album, including the track “Shey Na Like This We Go Dey Dey?” which, according to him, remains relevant even today.
He stated that he incorporates this strategy into his new album as well, using the song “To Nobody Holy” as an example, which acknowledges human imperfection. Coal went on to say that albums should also delve into love experiences and personal emotions that can inspire listeners. In essence, he believes albums offer a broader scope than just making people dance at the club.
What does Coal think about the new wave of artists in the Nigerian music scene?
Wande Coal thinks so highly of the new generation of artists. He expressed his enthusiasm for the current state of Nigerian music in an interview on Cool FM. He spoke highly of the “new generation,” praising their sound and revealing his desire to collaborate with many of them. He even mentioned feeling honored to work alongside these rising stars, specifically naming artists like Rema, CK, Ruga, Black Bones, and Oxlade.
He also emphasized that collaboration isn’t just about the names involved, but about creating something truly special. “It’s not even about that,” he said. “Also, no matter how we get into a record, I would always make sure that we create magic. That’s it.” He concluded by stating his aversion to bad music, saying, “I don’t want to hear bad music. When we get in the studio, we will make sure that we get out with a great record.”
Does Wande Coal sing based on his experiences or his songs are fictional?
Fictional? Maybe a little bit but most of his songs are inspired by his own experience.
Shedding light on how he draws inspiration from his own life experiences. He acknowledged the challenges faced by artists in the industry, stating, “…nobody’s perfect. Like everybody goes through their own.” He used the example of people venting on social media, implying that everyone faces struggles and went on to say that these difficulties can be a source of creative fuel. “There’s a phase in your life that, you know, things happen and you use that to elevate,” he said.
He also described how he uses his support system, including family and loved ones, to overcome challenges. This approach, according to him, is reflected in songs like “Come My Way,” which he wrote during a difficult time. He emphasized his desire for his music to inspire others, stating, “I don’t just sing music for myself. I sing so that you know it inspires others and others can sing it and say okay this is what I’m going through. “There’s always the time you get broken flat, like flat.”
He explained that these experiences inspired songs like “Nobody Holy,” which acknowledges human imperfection, and “3 Square Meal.” He clarified that “3 Square Meal” goes beyond the literal meaning of having three meals a day. According to him, the song is about having a long-term vision for success and taking care of oneself and one’s family.
What does the album ‘Legend Or NO Legend’ signify for Wande Coal?
If we’re to use just two words to qualify this album, those words would be ‘growth’ and ‘elevation’. Reason is what Coal revealed about the album saying, “This album shows elevation. It shows my growth, you know it shows like over the years how I’ve been able to be consistent and persistent and now drop a project that’s relevant because if you listen to the album it’s different, like all the things I said, all the new things, new sounds, new producers, you know it just explains a lot”.
Why did he name the album ‘Legend Or No Legend’?
To be honest, that was not the name for the album. Coal says he doesn’t remember what the album was initially called but they already had a name for it. However things changed because of a tweet that sparked lots of conversations about him.
Narrating how it all happened, he said, “There was this day I was on Twitter and then and then my phone started buzzing and I’m like, Joe, my phone doesn’t buzz like this. What’s going on? Then I saw this tweet where someone asked if it’s right to call Wande Coal a legend.
“And then everybody starts ranting. No, yes, no, yes. And I’m just like, you know what? Let me just end this. So I just went there and I tweeted ‘legend or no legend, I just love making good music’. And that’s what I’ve been able to do with this album, just to make good, great music with different sounds, different composition, different new producers, new sounds”.
Well, while ‘Legend Or No Legend’ wasn’t the planned title of the album; it still makes sense and is very relevant for the time.
Coal’s relationships in the music industry
Wizkid and Wande Coal: a tale of long term friendship and commitment

Wizkid and Wande Coal are one of the few celebrities that have shown what it means to be a truly supportive friend in the music industry.
Wande Coal is a major influence on Wizkid’s music. Wizkid has openly credited Wande Coal as an inspiration and even revealed that Wande Coal took him in when he, Wizkid, had nowhere to stay early in his career.
Their bond even goes beyond music as Wizkid calls and regards Wande Coal to be the “love of his life”, though in a platonic way, showing the deep appreciation Wizkid has for him.
Speaking about the camaraderie between himself and Wiz, Coal said, “Wizkid and I go back in the days. You know it’s always good to always hold on to new talents and that’s what I did. And then we kept this love from then. You can see what’s happening now. That’s why it’s always good no matter what level you are in the industry, no matter how big you are, you should also be friendly with the new cast because the new cast are the guys that are going to be killing it.
“As long as you know this in the game, that music changes and with time and you’re still in tune with the new generation, you always pop because you know you have that affiliation with them. And then also you guys can create, you know, if you, if you’re still very hungry for this, for this music, you have to be very hungry to to still be consistent”.
Controversies
Controversial hit single, ‘Baby Face’
In 2013, Mavin Records released a statement officially announcing the departure of Wande Coal from Mavin Records. The report stated,
“It is with deep regret that we officially announce the departure of recording artist Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, from Mavin Records due to irreconcilable differences.
Over the past few months, Mavin Records has made a concerted move to consolidate its position in the Nigerian music industry. Mavin has pursued a renewed ethos to raise its standards of quality and professionalism to a world-class level. Wande’s vision has not aligned with ours and a few months ago all parties mutually agreed that a separation would be the best course of action.
Legal parties on both sides have spent the past six months trying to reach an amicable solution in terms of musical property rights. However the decision by Wande Coal to release ‘Baby Face’ purportedly as his own material is a direct breach of intellectual property law and compelled an immediate clarification on our part.
Both Mavin Records and Wande Coal have enjoyed a remarkable run in the course of their working relationship. It is unfortunate that conflicting priorities contributed to the premature curtailment of a hitherto fruitful accord.
Mavin Records reaffirms its goal to constantly provide high quality music to our fans and introduce new and exciting talent into the industry.
We wish Wande Coal the best of luck in all his future endeavors.”
When D’banj and Don Jazzy separated in 2012 leading to the fall of Mo’Hits (D’banj’s label which Wande was signed to), Wande Coal joined Don Jazzy and was signed to Mavins Records alongside Dr SID, D’Prince and Tiwa Savage.
By 2013, Wande established his record label while still with Mavins. This came as a shock to the public but his relationship with Mavins remained. However, release of the controversial single ‘Baby Face’ which Don Jazzy claims is his, eventually led to their peaceful separation.
Wande Coal’s discography
Albums
2009 – Mushin To Mo’Hits
2015 – Wanted
2020 – Realms[20]
2023 – LEGEND OR NO LEGEND
Compilation albums
2007 – Curriculum Vitae
2012 – Solar Plexus
Singles
2008
- Bumper2Bumper
- Who Born The Maga Feat KaySwitch
- Taboo
- You Bad Feat D’Banj
2011
- Private Trips
- Been Long You Saw Me” Feat Don Jazzy
- Go Low
2012
- Pretty Girls
- Forever
- See Mi Ri
2013
- Baby Face
- Rotate
- The Kick Feat Don Jazzy
2014
- Ashimapeyin
- Baby Hello
- My Way
2015
- Same Shit Feat AKA
2017
- Ballerz
- Oh No No
- Turkey Nla
- Funkeh
2018
- So Mi So
2020
- Again
2021
- Music Messiah
- Come My Way
2023
- Let them Know
- Kpe Kpaso
Wande Coal’s awards, nominations, and recognitions
Nominations
2010
- Nominated for Best Male at the MTV Africa Music Award
- Nominated for Best Anglophone still at the MTV Africa Music Award
2014
- Nominated for Male Artist of the Year
at Nigeria Entertainment Award
2015
- My Woman, My Everything was nominated for Best Collabo of the Year at the City People Music Award
2016
- My Woman, My Everything was still nominated for Best Collabo of the Year at the City People Music Award
- The album Wanted was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies
- Superwoman got nominated for Best R&B Single at The Headies
- Wanted was also nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album still at The Headies
2018
- Nominated as Pop Artiste of the Year by City People Music Award
2023
- Kpe Paso got a nomination for Best Collabo at The Headies Award
Awards
2010
- Artiste of the Year at 2010 Hip Hop World Awards
- African Artiste of the Year at Ghana Music Awards 2010
- Hip Hop Revelation of the Year at the Hip Hop World Awards
- Song of the Year at the Hip Hop World Awards
- Best R&b/Pop Single at the Hip Hop World Awards
- Album of the Year at the Hip Hop World Awards
2016
- Song of the Year at MTV Africa Music Award
2017
- Best Collaboration at Nigeria Entertainment Award
Wande Coal’s net worth and assets
Wande Coal’s net worth
Wande has amassed a massive net worth estimated at $10 million US dollars. Converted to Naira, that would be approximately ₦15,889,600,450.00 (fifteen billion eight hundred eighty-nine million six hundred thousand four hundred fifty naira) His source of income is both from music royalties and endorsement deals from big brands like ‘Legend Extra Stout’ and ‘Glo’.
Wande Coal’s house
While there is no public confirmation that Wande Coal owns a house, there are news articles mentioning him living in an apartment in Victoria Island, Lagos in 2013.
Wande Coal’s cars
Earlier, in 2013, Wande Coal purchased a Mercedes GL 450 4Matic. It’s also worth mentioning that Wande Coal is generous as he went on to gift his Manager, Nana Abbey an E200 Benz four days after he got his 4Matic.
Few lessons you can learn from Wande Coal’s life
- Persistence and Adaptability: Wande Coal’s journey underscores the importance of persistence and adaptability in achieving success. Despite challenges and changes in the music industry, he remained persistent in pursuing his passion and adapted to evolving trends.
- Maintaining Relevance: Wande Coal’s ability to maintain relevance in the music scene highlights the importance of staying connected to one’s craft and audience. He continuously strives for growth ensuring his music remains appealing to fans.
- Navigating Relationships: Wande Coal’s relationships in the industry, particularly his friendship with Wizkid, demonstrate the value of genuine connections and support within the music community. Building strong relationships can lead to collaborative opportunities and mutual growth.