Wande Coal returns with ‘Wanted’

Released under the defunct Mo' Hits Records, co-owned by D’Banj and Don Jazzy, Mushin 2 MoHits was recorded by Wande Coal (real name, Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe) who from a background as dancer became a pop star after a D'Banj cosign. The album, a compendium of pop goodies, spawned hit singles ‘Bumper to Bumper’ and ‘Taboo’, songs with a capacity to move crowds even today. The success of the album legitimised the pop dreams of other Yoruba artists, with the beneficiaries making it to the scene fast. Wizkid, Davido, Sean Tizzle and a dozen less-known singers have all met with success that can be traced to that 2008 debut by Wande Coal.

Since then disagreements led to the split of Mo Hits. Don Jazzy then formed the MAVINS crew, but Wande Coal left after another round of disagreements. Hopes for a sophomore dissipated, leaving fans with several false starts. A few singles, some middling but mostly excellent, were released as radio and online singles. Still the album was a no-show.

However, a couple of recent singles 'Ashimapeyin' and a feature on Patoranking's 'My Woman' raised suspicions that the anticipated sophomore was at hand.

Those suspicions were right. As the wait may be over with the announcement made on social media. “Finally,” Wande Coal wrote days ago. “Black Diamond presents 'WANTED' my sophomore album.

“This is for the die-hard fans, the critics, haters, media houses and most importantly for those who never stopped believing. This is a reminder of who I was and who I have evolved into. This is where I want to be 'WANTED’”

Perhaps the most telling word in the update is the first word: ‘Finally’.

‘Wanted’ is slated for a 26 October release.