-his muslim name surfaces as he clocks 41
Nigerian singer Wande Coal has embraced Islam, with the development attracting attention on social media after a video of him celebrating his 41st birthday alongside Muslim clerics surfaced online on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The singer, whose real name is Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe, was spotted sitting with a group of Islamic clerics during what appeared to be a birthday prayer session.
In the video, Wande Coal, known for his powerful vocals and hit songs, appeared cheerful as the clerics offered prayers and sang in celebration of his new age.
The clip, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by an influencer identified as Ayanfe, showed the singer introducing himself as Abdul-Ganiyu
The post was accompanied by the caption, “I never knew Wande Coal was a Muslim,” prompting reactions from fans and other social media users.
The video generated mixed reactions, with several fans expressing surprise over the singer’s reported religious identity.
Music executive Bizzle Osikoya also joined the conversation, clarifying in a quoted post that Wande Coal did not grow up as a Muslim but had made a conscious decision to embrace Islam at some point in his life.
Born Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe on October 18, 1985, in Lagos Island, the Afrobeats pioneer rose from church choirs and Mo’ Hits Records to shape the genre with his smooth falsetto on albums like “Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits” “Wanted”, and recent “King Coal”.
Fans and artists flooded social media with photos of his stylish poses, videos, and praise for hits like “Iskaba,” calling him the “Black Diamond” with one of Africa’s sweetest voices.
Tributes highlighted his journey from D’banj and Don Jazzy days to his own Black Diamond Entertainment, wishing him health and success ahead.
Wande Coal has joined the likes of Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel, among other Nigerian celebrities who have converted from Christianity to Islam.