Veteran Nigerian singer and rapper, Seyi Sodimu, has described Wande Coal as the most talented artist in the Afrobeats genre.
Speaking in a recent interview with comedian Teju Babyface, Sodimu credited Wande Coal with playing a key role in shaping the modern Afrobeats sound and inspiring some of the industry’s biggest stars.
“Wande Coal was one of the pivotal moments where he switched it [Afrobeats] to the new generation,” Sodimu said. “He influenced people like Wizkid, Davido, and Sean Tizzle. It was Wande Coal’s style that took Afrobeats to the new sound. I think he is the most talented Nigerian Afrobeats artist.”
When asked if Wande Coal was receiving the recognition he deserved, Sodimu said the answer depended on perspective.
“What do you mean by flowers, are you talking about streams?” he responded. “People love Wande Coal when they hear his music. Any artist you ask — even Burna Boy — can attest to Wande Coal’s artistry.”
Sodimu, who is older than Wande Coal, added that the singer has yet to reach his full creative potential.
“He’s actually operating on 30% and is still excelling,” he said. “Imagine if he was operating at 78%. Wande is a genius. He can sing, he also writes. He is amazing.”
Wande Coal, born Olawale Ojosipe, rose to prominence in the late 2000s under the Mo’Hits Records label. Known for hits such as Bumper to Bumper and Iskaba, he has remained an influential figure in Nigerian music, with a career spanning more than a decade.
Afrobeats has since become a global music force, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy achieving international acclaim — a wave Sodimu believes Wande Coal helped set in motion.
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