Realms is the first EP by Nigerian singer Wande Coal. It was released on 11 September 2020, through Starstruck Management and Empire Distribution. Following up to his second studio album, Wanted (2015), it features guest appearances from rapper Wale and producer Sarz. Production was handled by Sarz, Melvitto, Lekka Beatz, Dapiano, Screwface, The Sharpshutaz, and Pheelz.
| Realms | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | 11 September 2020 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 22:00 | |||
| Label |
| |||
| Producer | ||||
| Wande Coal chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Realms | ||||
| ||||
Background
editRealms marked Wande Coal's third project in five years, after the release of Wanted (2015). Wande Coal announced the release of Realms on 14 December 2019, where the EP was teased to drop on 6 March 2020, after Wande signed with Empire Distribution.[2][3] Later, on 8 September 2020, it was eventually revealed, via his Twitter account, that Realms would be released within less than 48 hours, just for it to release on 11 September 2020.[4]
Singles
editThe EP's lead single "Vex" was released on 31 October 2019, and features production from Sarz and Screwface. Sarz is also credited to be featured on the track.[5] The second single "Ode Lo Like" was released on 12 December 2019, and was produced by Dapiano and Screwface.[6] The Melvitto and Screwface-produced third single off the EP, "Again," was released on 6 February 2020.[7] The fourth and final single "Naughty Girl" was released on 26 June 2020. It was produced by Pheelz.[8]
Critical reception
editMotolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria critiqued Wande Coal's Realms EP as "a lesson in what shouldn't be done" for a veteran artist, highlighting its lack of fresh material and strategic overemphasis on previously released singles. Alake noted that while Wande Coal's talent remains evident, the EP's approach felt "lazy" and prioritizes streaming metrics over artistic impact. He rated the EP a 3.5/10, categorizing it as a "near fall."[9]
Tami Makinde of [[The Native] described Realms as a satisfying, familiar collection that showcases Wande Coal's mastery of melody, despite its lack of artistic boldness. Makinde noted, "Wande Coal is and will always be a certified hitmaker," but felt the EP didn't push boundaries, instead offering infectious tunes like "Naughty Girl" and "Ode Lo Like" that fit comfortably in Coal's catalog. The review highlights that Realms doesn't aim for grand statements, yet effectively captures the "good feeling" fans expect.[10]
Track listing
editAll tracks written by Oluwatobi "Wande Coal" Ojosipe.
| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Again" |
| 2:36 |
| 2. | "Check" |
| 3:30 |
| 3. | "Naughty Girl" | Pheelz | 2:45 |
| 4. | "Ode Lo Like" |
| 3:21 |
| 5. | "Ever Blazin" | The Sharpshutaz | 3:16 |
| 6. | "Vex" (featuring Sarz) |
| 3:30 |
| 7. | "Again" (remix; featuring Wale) | The Sharpshutaz | 3:11 |
| Total length: | 22:00 | ||
Notes
- ^[b] signifies a co-producer
Personnel
edit- Oluwatobi "Wande Coal" Ojosipe – vocals, songwriter
- Olubowale "Wale" Akintimehin – vocals
- Sarz – production
- Melvitto – production
- Lekka Beatz – production
- Dapiano – production
- The Sharpshutaz – production
- Pheelz – production
- Screwface – production, executive producer
- Trehy Harris – mixing engineer
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 11 September 2020 |
|
References
edit- ^ Alake, Motolani (11 September 2020). "Wande Coal releases new 7-track EP, 'Realms'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Bamidele, Michael (14 December 2019). "Wande Coal Set To Release New EP "Realms"". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (6 February 2020). "Wande Coal to release new EP, 'Realms' in March". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Okanlawon, Taiwo (8 September 2020). "Wande Coal to drop new EP, Realms". P.M. News. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (31 October 2019). "Wande Coal features Sarz on new single, 'Vex'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Leight, Elias (12 December 2019). "Wande Coal Previews 'Realms' EP With Brassy 'Ode Lo Like'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Durosomo, Damola (6 February 2020). "Listen to Wande Coal's New Single 'Again'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Ade Peter, Dennis (25 June 2020). "NATIVE Premiere: Listen to Wande Coal's latest single, "Naughty Girl"". The Native. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (17 September 2020). "Wande Coal's 'Realms' is a lazy attempt at a body of work [EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ Makinde, Tami (11 September 2020). "A 1-Listen review of Wande Coal's 'Realms'". The Native. Retrieved 13 November 2024.