Now, with many listeners currently vibrating to the sounds of his brand-new 2026 album, KING COAL, it’s only right that I pay homage to the elder statesman of Afropop. So, I took on the task of ranking his top 40 greatest Wande Coal songs of all time. All lovers of King Coal’s music should gather here.

40. “Ebelebe” (feat. Wizkid) (2023)

After years of fans asking for another collaboration, Wande Coal and Wizkid finally reunited on “Ebelebe” in 2023, and the chemistry hadn’t aged a day.  It’s a bouncy Afropop song with mostly melodies and little lyrics about women and good times. Only a few artists understand melody like these guys.

39. “Dem Go Pay” (2025)

Wande Coal trolls his pocket watchers, flexes his rich circle and demands his dues in this song. If you’re coming to him for any service, you’d better come along with handsome cash in hand.

38. “Will You Be Mine” (with LeriQ) (2018)

On this LeriQ-produced love song, Wande Coal leans into the kind of songwriting that first made him one of Afrobeats’ romantic voices. Wande’s vocals float over gentle instrumentation. Every line has room to breathe, letting his buttery R&B vocals become pure magic.

37. “Adura” (2015)

This is a spiritual bop from the Wanted album. It’s great because Wande Coal took us to church but still made sure our shoulders were bouncing. A prayer point has never grooved this hard.

36. “Tur-key Nla” (2017)

Wande Coal makes a song for women with thick thighs. It’s an unfiltered club wrecker.

35. “Iskaba” (with DJ Tunez) (2016)

Teaming up with DJ Tunez, he made a song that became almost impossible to escape in clubs, parties and weddings. His catchy hook does most of the heavy lifting, proving that he has an unmatched gift for writing melodies that stick. It’s one of his biggest hits.

34. “Monster” (2015)

One of the best songs from Wanted, this tells us how money, hustle and success bring out the toughness in a man. The song’s memorable chorus and wide appeal make it bang.

33. “Iyawo Mi” (2015)

“Iyawo Mi” is Wande Coal making promises of love and turning romance into an irresistible jam.

32. “My Way” (2015)

Produced by Maleekberry, “My Way” is Wande Coal professing love and making promises of all he’ll do for his lover. He has made plans and he’s convincing her to let them do it his way.

31. “Superwoman” (2015)

“Superwoman” is a tribute to the strength and beauty of women. Its songwriting and rich vocals have earned it a place among the finest love songs in his catalogue.

30. “Same Shit” (feat. AKA) (2015)

“Same Shit” blends afropop and hip-hop without either artist overshadowing the other. Wande sings about making money, living rich and lifestyle, while late South African rapper AKA emphasises it with a sharp verse.

29. “Wanted” (2015)

This title track of Wanted captures Wande Coal at a turning point in his career. After leaving Mo’Hits and navigating music without a label, he returned with an album that reaffirmed his presence in Afropop. It’s a fitting centrepiece for the album.

28. “Ballerz” (2017)

“Ballerz” became one of Wande Coal’s biggest post-Mushin 2 Mo’Hits hits, embracing the extravagant spirit of enjoyment. Its catchy hook and playful lyrics made it an instant favourite at parties and on the radio.

27. “Sexcellence” (2015)

This is spicy and sensual Wande Coal. Although technically a freestyle, it’s great because it shows off his mature, grown-and-sexy persona. Despite the song’s hyper-fast tempo, he gets seductive without missing a single step.

26. “Come My Way” (2021)

The song is built on confidence and the message that authenticity will always outlast trends. It reflects Wande Coal fully comfortable in his own lane.

READ NEXT: The 20 Best Nigerian Songs of 2026 So Far, Ranked

25. “Ode Lo Like” (2019)

This song title translates to “They like fools” in Yoruba. It’s a light social commentary and mid-tempo groove about people like those they can take for granted. It can be applied to almost every relationship or transaction.

24. “Kpe Paso” (feat. Olamide) (2023)

This song brings Baddo and Wande together to give us an instant owambe classic. Wande Coal’s melodies stay ever sharp and Olamide’s street charisma is unmistakable. Fuji-pop at its finest.

23. “Ashimapeyin” (2015)

On “Ashimapeyin”, which means “We will call you,” Wande Coal celebrates ambition and success and tells haters he isn’t currently on their time and would call them when there’s a need for them, AKA never.

22. “Baby Hello” (2014)

This is a fast-paced Wande Coal that attempts to call on his love interest. The way Wande rides this beat proves that every lung is built differently.

21. “Dearly” (feat. Qing Madi) (2026)

This is no doubt a beautiful generational bridge. This song links up with the Gen-Z vocalist Qing Madi to make one of the best love songs of the year. It shows his ability to evolve while remaining one of Afropop’s most compelling singers.

20. “Amorawa” (feat. Burna Boy) (2013)

Before Burna Boy became a global superstar, he teamed up with Wande Coal on “Amorawa,” a lively Afropop-dancehall song that carries the message of “real recognises real.” You can call this members-only music if you like.

19. “Aye Dun” (feat. Skuki) (2014)

Wande Coal tasted and knew he’s never going back to poverty. In between success and enjoyment, the song reflects gratitude for life’s wins. “Life is sweet”, as the title says in English.

18. “Rotate” (2013)

“Rotate” is Wande Coal’s instruction to whine your waist. It’s driven by groove, and the production takes centre stage. One of his standout singles from the early 2010s.

17. “Again” (2020)

Few comeback records have landed as perfectly as “Again.” It was released after a long stretch without a major solo hit, and it became one of Nigeria’s biggest records of 2020. It introduced him to a new generation while reminding older fans why they fell in love with his music. Easily one of the defining songs of his career.

16. “Gentility” (with melvitto) (2019)

Production by melvitto. Vocal performance by Wande Coal. This is a sleeper hit that randomly blew up on TikTok years later. “Gentility no be stupidity” is a life motto.

15. “So Mi So” (2018)

“So Mi So’ leans into Wande Coal’s playful side, pairing flirtatious lyrics with breezy Afropop production by Juls. It rewards repeat listens with its infectious chorus.

14. “Been Long You Saw” (2015)

This track is one of the hidden gems from his Wanted album. “Been Long You Saw” captures the excitement and awkwardness of reconnecting with his fans after a long absence.

13. “Who Born the Maga” (feat. K-Switch) (2009)

“Who Born the Maga” became one of the standout records from Mushin 2 Mo’Hits. It’s built around humour and catchy street-inspired songwriting that warns against being taken for a fool. It’s one of his fan favourites.

12. “The Kick” (feat. Don Jazzy) (2013)

Produced by Don Jazzy, “The Kick” was one of the songs that signalled Wande Coal’s successful transition into a new phase of his career after leaving Mo’Hits. The song’s production and memorable hook gave him one of his biggest solo hits of the decade. It’s among his greatest because it blends mainstream appeal with the vocal finesse that has always been his trademark.

11. “See Na Like This” (2009)

Social commentary Wande sheds light on the struggles of the average Nigerian. It’s great because it shows his depth and reflects the Nigerian reality, past or present.

10. “Kiss Your Hands” (feat. Ikechukwu) (2010)

This Wande Coal jam is an African crossover that shook the continent. It’s built around romance and easygoing melodies, and it shows how far his sound travelled across West Africa.

9. “Go Low” (2015)

“Go Low” sets the dance floor on fire. If you were outside in the early 2010s, this song had you in a chokehold. The transition in the beat midway is legendary.

8. “Ten Ten” (2009)

This song is one of the many reasons Mushin 2 Mo’Hits became a modern Afropop classic. Wande Coal turns everyday expressions into a fun, youthful and endlessly replayable song.

7. “Taboo” (2009)

“Taboo” is one of the finest slow-burning moments on Mushin 2 Mo’Hits. On the hypnotic song, Wande Coal gets into his lustful mood and delivers a sensual song about women, swinging hips and waist beads.

6. “Plan B” (2015)

“Plan B” showcases Wande Coal’s knack for turning romantic uncertainty into compelling pop music. Though it isn’t one of his biggest commercial hits, it’s one of his strongest cuts because of its rich songwriting and melody.

5. “Se Ope” (2009)

This is a thanksgiving bop. It earns its spot as an uplifting song that feels both personal and universally relatable, because Nigerians will never stop needing a song to aggressively thank God at parties.

4. “You Bad” (feat. D’Banj) (2009)

Pairing Wande Coal with D’Banj was always going to produce fireworks, and “You Bad” delivers that. D’Banj brings his larger-than-life charisma, while Wande anchors the song with sweet appreciation for baddies. Their contrasting styles make the collaboration exciting. It’s one of the defining records of the Mo’Hits era and one of Wande’s most entertaining collaborations.

3. “Bumper to Bumper” (2009)

Few songs introduced Wande Coal to mainstream audiences quite like “Bumper to Bumper.” It was released before Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, and the single became a nationwide hit thanks to its unforgettable chorus. It established him as one of Nigeria’s brightest new stars. Its cultural impact alone makes it one of the most important songs in his catalogue.

2. “Private Trips” (2012)

This song leans into romance and intimacy. It’s sexy, and Wande proves he can make a pop track that still keeps its Nigerian soul intact.

1. “Ololufe” (2009)

If one song captures Wande Coal’s genius as a singer, it’s “Ololufe.” It’s a timeless love song with heartfelt lyrics, rich harmonies, and memorable melodies that’s top of the list at weddings, parties and sing-alongs years after its release. It’s arguably one of the greatest Nigerian contemporary love songs ever recorded.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nigerian Albums of 2026 So Far, Ranked

It was the evening of Friday, the 16th of June, 2023, I’d spent roughly three hours in traffic trying to get to Victoria Island. I was in a chipper mood though, eating boiled groundnuts and gisting with two of my colleagues as we navigated the insanity of Lagos roads. Nothing could ruin my mood because I was on my way to to see Wande Coal do magic with his voice at the Trace Live event. 

When we finally arrived at 7:30 p.m., the place was teeming with people, all bright-eyed, anticipating the inevitable insanity of a night with Wande Coal’s music. You could feel the anticipation in the air. 

Opposite the registration stand where people were getting their tags, there was a wall on which people could sign their names. So I grabbed a red marker from one of the ushers and signed: “żìĂšÊÓÆ”!”

Free drinks from Legend (the beer, not Wande himself, unfortunately,) Pepsi and Lord’s Gin were flowing. When the doors finally opened at 8, we trooped into the hall, to find already playing. The crowd’s excitement doubled, becoming almost palpable, as people started dancing and gearing up for Wande Coal’s appearance. 

After DJ Tough’s 20 minutes set, the hosts — stand-up comedians, Lasisi and Pencil — came on stage to welcome us. They had the crowd laughing at their antics as an artist, Oje Ohis, live-painted a portrait of Wande Coal in less than five minutes.

As even more people poured into the already full room, music promoter and hypeman, Shody, came on stage to get us ready for the Black Diamond. Not a single soul was seated as the combination of his hype skills, and dance moves and DJ Consequence’s music mixing got our excitement to a near frenzy. 

The drinks were hitting, everyone was dancing, and the vibe was so right, we knew it was almost time to see the Black Diamond. And sure enough, when our excitement was like something alive, Shody announced Wande Coal to loud cheers from the packed room. I’m sure mine was the loudest.

After thanking us for coming out to see him (I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, Wande please DKM) the Black Diamond performed a song from his latest album Legend or No Legend. Then he serenaded us with Ololufe and a delightful acoustic version of Booty Call. The crowd went wild as the soft beats of So Mi So and the bold instrumentals of Amorawa and Kpe Paso came on. We lost our minds when we heard the band play tunes like Pere, Kiss Your Hand and Bumper to Bumper from his iconic Mo’Hits days. 

He had such a beautiful sync with his backup singers and the instrumentalists, reminding us what a talented and fantastic performer Wande Coal is. I sang along loudly to every song that came on, gladly losing my voice in the process. 

The Trace Live with Wande Coal thrilled all of us and was over way too soon, with everyone reluctant to leave the electrifying atmosphere we’d all been a part of. The Live show is monthly though, and I can’t wait for the next one!

Wande Coal’s distinct sound has influenced many of the artistes we listen to today, so we’re here to give him his flowers ahead of his special performance at Trace LIVE on June 16, 2023. 

Wizkid

Wizkid is one of the biggest Nigerian exports since crude oil. But before becoming Big W with the Grammys and Billboard Number Ones, Wiz lived with Wande Coal while making his debut album, Super Star. From songs like Love My Baby on that album to Pressure on his latest album, More Love, Less Ego, Wizkid has shown countless times that he has a degree from the Wande Coal University of Afrobeats. 

Fireboy DML 

Till date, mandem are on the street arguing about who sang the second verse on Fireboy DML’s 2021 hit, Peru. 

The influence Wande Coal has on Fireboy DML’s music has been clear from his debut album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps. If you think about it, their on Wande Coal’s Legend Or No Legend album was written in the stars. 

Oxlade 

°żłæ±ôČč»ć±đ’s Ku Lo Sa was undoubtedly one of the biggest songs of 2022. 100 million TikTok challenges later, we can’t look at green walls the same ever again. 

One thing that stands out in Ku Lo Sa is °żłæ±ôČč»ć±đ’s falsetto and vocal run at the end. Listen closely and tell me it doesn’t remind you of Wande Coal serving vocals while singing: “Girl, you’re so damn fine” on Kiss Your Hands from his Mushin 2 Mo’Hits album? 

Davido

Davido has claimed to be many things: the best, omo baba olowo and an assurance provider. But we think it’s high time we add Wande Coal prodigy to the list. Fun fact: Wande Coal’s influence on Davido goes beyond music. In an interview with , Wande shares how Davido left school in Atlanta to look for him twice and how he’s actually the one who first called the FEM singer OBO. Mad oh!

RECOMMENDED: Wande Coal’s “Mushin 2 Mo’Hits” Was Way Ahead of it’s Time

Teni 

Teni is one of the few female musicians in Nigeria that has found a unique niche and sound that works perfectly for her songwriting. Songs like Askamaya and Uyo Meyo are solid hits thanks to Teni’s mix of Afropop and the Juju music most millennials heard their parents listening to. While her influences include Salawa Abeni, Shina Peters and co, we can’t discount Wande Coal’s Mo’Hits days influence on her sound. 

Peruzzi 

Peruzzi popped up on our radars with his feature on 2Face’s 2018 hit Amaka. While Peruzzi has collaborated with many  artistes over the years, including Wande Coal himself, his solo music, especially songs like D-Side and Show Your Working, have given us a glimpse into his love for Wande Coal’s music post Mo’Hits. 

Tay Iwar 

Only a few artistes are touching the hem of  Tay Iwar’s cargo pants when it comes to vocals and songwriting in the Nigerian music industry. While many Nigerians have placed Tay in an altĂ© box, the singer steadily delivers insane R&B vocal performances and melodies that remind us of R&B Wande Coal circa Private Trips and Again. 

ALSO READ: The 7 Nigerian Singers Guaranteed to Give You a Hit Song in 2022

At the time Mushin 2 Mo’Hits dropped, Don Jazzy was the most in-demand Nigerian producer — and back-up singer, if he liked you — with Wande Coal coming in as the label’s latest addition poised to continue its growing legacy of back-to-back hits. The duo ended up being infectious, and every time we heard, “It’s WC. Na who do the beat o? Don Baba J”, we knew it was going to be a banger. 

We’d all heard albums about love and romance before, but most of them were shy about sex. Sure, we’d also gotten songs about sex, shoutout to P-Square for Do Me, but on Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, Wande Coal masterfully conveyed the sexual awakening that came with falling in love. His idea of love wasn’t PG, but it wasn’t R18, either. It comfortably sat in a seductive space between “I’m in love with you” and “You make me horny.” And as a young teen going through the motions of puberty, this album was perfect for me. 

Now, 13 years after making it into Discmans and iPod playlists, Wande Coal’s magnum opus is finally available on streaming apps. Since I’ve been begging for the album at odd hours of the morning: 

It’s only fitting to revisit it for myself and the culture. 

RECOMMENDED: Davido’s “OBO: The Genesis” Doesn’t Slap 10 Years Later, But It’s Okay

The Breakdown

Wande Coal kicks things off by exploring his inner Christian Grey with the album opener, I Know You Like It, and its follow-up, You Bad. Singing about making you beg for it while you scream his name, we’re introduced to an artist who can seduce you with a masterful mix of Yoruba, pidgin and unmatched vocals. These two tracks lay the groundwork for a sexy album, proving Wande was a Yoruba demon before we even knew what the term meant. 

For the compulsory song about social justice and Nigerian wahala, Wande Coal’s synth-heavy, Se Na Like This? is as poignant now as it was in 2009, especially when you realise $1 was going for ₩148. I love this song, but it’s a cruel reminder that we’re no longer knee-deep in the trenches. At this point, we’ve been submerged by it. 

We all lost our shit this year [2022] because of how much Wande Coal sounded like Michael Jackson in his collab with Olamide, Hate Me. 

But listening to his badass falsettos on Kiss Your Hands with Ikechukwu, especially around the 2:29 mark where he belts out MJ’s signature “He-he”, I feel stupid for being shocked by Hate Me. Wande Jackson has always been a thing. 

Confused, another banger on the album, finds Wande Coal ignoring all the red flags to be with the person he loves. He even goes as far as singing, “Wo l’ashewo ni e, but emi o boda,” and honestly, I can’t help but stan a king who supports sex work. 

Every Nigerian artist has that one random gospel song on their album to appease their mothers and choir instructors. Wande doesn’t disappoint, giving us two: Se Ope, which reminds me of the suffer-head “some have food” song from boarding house, and Jehovah, a song that talks about his literal journey from Mushin to Mo’Hits.

Bumper to Bumper is Wande Coal announcing he’s deep in his bag and no one can stop him. It was the first single off the album and a song that still reminds me of secondary school birthday parties, bootcut jeans and Axe body spray. Good times.

Two features that work are Bananas with Dr Sid and Who Born The Maga with Kayswitch. Bananas is the more romantic older brother of D’Prince’s Take Banana (a banger, by the way), while Who Born The Maga finds Wande confident in something more than his sex game, his talent. Random thought, but when did we decide to stop using the word, “Maga”? I don’t get it. 

It’s impossible to do a top 10 of the most iconic Nigerian love songs of all time and not mention Wande Coal’s Ololufe. While his other songs talk about love in their own way, Ololufe reveals a more vulnerable Wande Coal as he tries to reassure his lover that their love is real. It’s equal parts joyful and heartbreaking, which I now appreciate as an adult who finally understands the complexities of navigating love. 

Now It’s All Gone, which features label mate D’Prince, is the first underwhelming song on the album. It sounds a lot like Omarion’s IceBox, and not in a good way. Other forgettable tracks include That’s Wats Up and My Grind. They’re not bad songs. It’s just, they fail to hold their own when compared to the others. 

My best song on Mushin 2 Mo’Hits has to be Taboo. The production of this song is insane. But my favourite part is the casual switch from the mellow “Even if dem say na taboo” to the crowd call and response, “Ki le leyi? Ileke”. It sounds so simple, yet incredibly well thought out, making Taboo one of the best Afropop songs of all time. 

Final thoughts 

People say “way ahead of its time” loosely, but it’s like the perfect way to describe Mushin 2 Mo’Hits. From the synth-heavy production to sexy lyrics and melodies, this album has influenced everything from Wizkid’s 2011 Superstar to Fireboy DML’s 2021 hit, Peru — I’m not the only one who thought Wande was the one singing the second verse. 

Wande Coal and Don Jazzy created something special with Mushin 2 Mo’Hits. Revisiting it all these years later makes it an even more profound body of work. Wande has been and will always be the GOAT. Period. 

ALSO READ: Do We Love Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini”?

Let’s see how you’ll do:

Davido — “FEM”

Following the success of his outstanding sophomore album, A Good Time, Davido is now gearing up to drop his third LP, the promisingly titled A Better Time.

For his first single off the upcoming project, theÌęNapji-produced “FEM”, the afropop juggernaut sends a clear and concise message to his hoard of haters: “Shut the hell up”.

Mr Eazi & Major Lazer — “Oh My Gawd’ ft. Nicki Minaj & K4MO

One of Nigeria’s hardest-working stars, Mr Eazi has dropped a number of solid singles this year, from the stellar “Kpalanga” to the infectious “I No Go Give Up On You”

Now, he’s back with “Oh My Gawd”,Ìę a vibrant track that feels primed to be his biggest hit yet, thanks to major assists from Major Lazer and the always impressive Nicki Minaj.

Wande Coal — “Check”

After dropping some of the best tracks he’s had in years, Wande Caal has now released his new EP, , which includes three previously heard singles and three new songs.

Out of the three new tracks, the one that instantly stands out is the dynamic “Check” — a song that greatly benefits from sounding like an amalgamation of the old Wande hits we all fell in love with.

Peruzzi — “Gunshot”

While undeniably talented, both as a songwriter and a performer, Peruzzi can be pretty hit or miss with his releases. Thankfully, his latest single, “Gunshot” falls squarely into the ‘hit’ category.

On the solidly produced track, Peruzzi sings about an attractive woman he’s powerless to resist. Peruzzi has released a few impressive solo tracks since he broke out, but “Gunshot” rises above the rest due to sheer catchiness.

Wande Coal — “Again”

At this point in his career, Wande Coal has nothing left to prove. He’s already dropped enough gems to validate his status as one of afropop’s greatest stars, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to deliver.

His newest single, “Again” finds him at the peak of his considerable powers, utilising his standout voice and typically heartwarming lyrics, making this the best thing he has put out in over a year.

Patoranking — “I’m In Love”

Patoranking has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent stars since he broke out, dropping at least one defining banger every year. To kick off the new decade, he’s come through with another solid single, “I’m In Love”.

On the dancehall-influenced track, Patoranking sings about feeling blessed to have found the woman of his dreams. It’s a delightful love song that continues the singer’s seemingly endless streak.

Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky, the nation’s premier platform for live, truly sensational afro-jazz music experiences, is back in Lagos following a nationwide tour of Abuja, Port Harcourt and other Nigerian cities. 

Get ready for an exciting evening assortment of the finest cocktail serves, with unforgettable live performances by melodious Adekunle Gold, jazzy Lagbaja, and soulful Wande Coal on Saturday, August 24^th 2019.
 
Johnnie Walker, the world’s most desired Scotch whisky, will showcase “The Johnnie Walker Highball Cocktail Serve”, a new, vibrant and inspiring way to enjoy the smooth flavours of Johnnie Walker Black Label, specially curated for palates seeking to add spice to lifestyle.

To lovers of fine live music and finest whisky, stay connected to to get the chance of an invite to JJW Lagos.

Join the conversation with #JJWLagos #JJWwithMTN #KeepWalkingNigeria.

18+. Drink Responsibly.

One day, you’re streaming music, then you remember that jam way back you haven’t heard in years. So you go to the search tab on your Apple Music or Spotify, enter the song title and voila, nothing dey there.

This is usually when you begin to doubt your childhood. You wonder all those memories were just uploaded to your brain and Wande Coal’s “You Bad” never really happened. But that’s not why we’re here.

Welcome to the world of streaming music, where for a small fee, every song is just a couple clicks away, (except, in this case, the one you actually want to listen to).

You know that infamous story about the record industry’s collapse and the rise of streaming (pronounce: Apple’s iTunes) that started in 2009?

Well, streaming is pretty much the main reason music has broken borders, become profitable again and dominated culture in the last few years.

But iTunes wasn’t available in Nigeria until 2013.

Spotify, that best friend that knows the music you like, isn’t available in Nigeria 11 years after it launched. Boys have their ways of course.

And what they often found was that there were certain classics missing from these libraries.

Here are some that we all have noticed and we just really want to listen to because we paid money for it and whatnot (obvs, this doesn’t apply to Spotify users).

Wande Coal – You Bad

Too many games of PES 09 played to this album. Too many hopes lifted on dancefloors covered in sweat and (sometimes) cheap liquor. Too many drives home, along with conversations about Wande Coal was the goat.

As far as we know, this album, Wande’s first and only project under Mo’ Hits, is tied up under the terms of his contract with Don Jazzy’s team. There’s also some talk about samples that turned out too difficult to clear.

Too bad.

Ìę

Ìę

SDC – Clone Wars 3: The Recession

After years of doing the deal, Nigeria’s most fearsome duo is finally getting their respect. But one worries that the generation vioa alte hooks on “Palmwine Music” is missing a vital part of the puzzle – Clone Wars, particularly the third instalment of the series.

Yes. It’s a mixtape. Yes. It’s on Soundcloud. But considering that Clone Wars IV is available on Apple Music, the lines begin to get blurred. Surely, it can’t be too much to ask.

MI Abaga – Illegal Music 2

The few times I’ve met the rapper who soundtracked my late teens, I’ve often joked that this is the album where he decided to work with every young artiste he liked at the time. He denies it every time.

As far as Nigerian rap albums go, this was a passing of the baton, unlike anything before it. Today’s OGs built around an MI in his prime. This is where you can get Boogey as Brain, and Yung6ix as a Lil Wayne re-incarnate.

I know he said “Illegal Music Free, No Mason” on the opening track. But you can’t hide history.

Lagbaja – His Entire Bl**dy Discography

The masked one. Omo baba m’uko m’uko. Forebearer of a whole generation of pop acts who today skirt that thing like between pop and indigenous music.

If you’re lucky, your parents (first generation Lagos baby boys and girls) introduced you to Lagbaja’s music as a toddler.

Or you heard him on the television, on videotapes of Lekki Sunsplash or on the radio. Either way, Lagbaja was a staple of a generation’s childhood. Sadly, a generation may never get to hear classics like “Africalypso”.

2face Idibia – Grass 2 Grace

The greatest pop musician in Nigerian history. 2baba has been a staple of our lives for god knows along. He’s probably not a vampire but 2face and his music have stayed young since we were kids.

SO CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN I CAN”T LISTEN TO “GRASS TO GRACE” ON APPLE MUSIC?

The second chapter of his journey post-Plantashun Boyz is missing from pretty much every music streaming site. That means classics like “For Instance”, “One Love” and “No Shaking” exist largely in your memory.

WHAT. THE. HELL. MAN.