Upon its release, Wandecoal’s raving hit, “Iskaba” became a symbol of the new Afrobeats home and abroad.
By 2016, the industry was experiencing a shift from fast-tempo dance songs to cool laid-back vibes. Wizkid, Runtown, and Tekno were at the front lines making stuff happen and penetrating the international market.
Around the same time, DJ Tunez was traveling and making music all over Africa. WandeCoal, on the other hand, was very hot. He had released his sophomore album, “Wanted” in 2015 and was still enjoying the success of his six-year late second offering.
Somehow, DJ Tunez made WandeCoal, who is indeed one of Nigeria’s best contemporary pop singers, do the catchy tune “Iskaba.”
The song was a joint effort between DJ Tunez, who had already worked with WizKid at the time, and WandeCoal, who was now on his own trying to float his music by himself.
“Iskaba” was an instant hit all over the country. The idea was basic; it was the same as the normal feel-good love tunes Wandecoal was known for at the time. Except this time, the song had a proper sing-along.
The track went viral and the “iskaba, iskelebete” part quickly became popular slang on the streets. Maybe in those days, there were people asking what it means. But as time went on, it became normal. WandeCoal even made the “iskaba” thing his signature for a while.
That was DJ Tunez’s first hit, and that was the song that made Wandecoal a mainstream sensation once again. It’s also up there as one of Spellz’s best works ever because the instrumental is truly insane.
We will never get songs like “Iskaba” ever again. Not even if DJ Tunez and Wandecoal team up to do something now. It’s safe to say “Iskaba” is definitely up there with some of the best songs released in the past ten years. No doubt.
Do You Think “Iskaba” Is The Best Afrobeat Song Released In The Past Ten Years?
What do you think?
Let’s hear from you.
