Undoubtedly on of the most respected and influential African artists of the modern era, Wande Coal has long since secured legacy, and is now putting the icing on the cake with another stellar release. He has just unveiled his fourth studio album, Legend Or No Legend, and it may well be his finest work to date.
Since his debut LP back in 2009, Coal has consistently impressed and entertained with his vibrant approach to production and songwriting, elevating the scene around him and progressing its style. This new album is no different; boasting features from some of the biggest artists around, from Wizkid to T-Pain, Olamide to Fireboy DML, the album is colourful and eclectic in tone, with Coal’s lyricism proving to be his most intimate and provoking to date.
We sat down with Wande Coal to talk through the new album’s concept, feature choices and legacy.
Listen to the album…
Read the interview…
How would you define your sound and how has it evolved overtime?
Personally, I will describe my sound as African. Being able to add my culture, traditions dialect, values into different genres.
Congratulations on Legend Or No Legend! How does this album depict where you are currently, sonically and/or thematically, three years after your previous project?
Thank you. I hope you have listened? This album for me is like a template to teach anyone who cares to learn. From the chosen tracks to the arrangement, to the features, to the title of the album, to the sounds on the album. I tested myself, sang in Spanish, hit notes I did not think I would, it is a great feeling of achievement and success in my career to still be relevant in these times.
What was the collaborative process like with Wizkid, T-Pain, Fireboy DML, and the rest of your collaborators?
The collaborative process with all the collaborators was organic these are very professional artists. it was good working with them, great energy in the rooms. I also feel like everyone brought their A game to the Album I feel so honored and blessed to have worked with them.
What do you hope people take away from listening to the album?
I want people to enjoy themselves listening to the project but also learn from my stories, take one or two gems, the album has a lot of versatility, inspirations, truth, personal growth and Sound design. Lots of encouragement with songs like “Come my way” inspirational songs like “Dues” and truthful songs like “Nobody Holy”.
Do you have a favourite track on the album?
To be honest different moods with different tracks. I feel like as I keep listening to the album I keep falling in love with the work. When the album was first released my favorite track was ‘Kpe Paso’ featuring Olamide. At the moment, I have 2 favorites, ‘Ebelebe’ featuring Wizkid and ‘Dues’. Maybe next month it will be something else.