From Ibadan to the Big Screen: How Wale Waves Is Redefining Nollywood Soundtracks & Releasing Hits at a Crossroads of Culture
Unveiling Wale Waves: The Soundtrack Maestro You Should Know
Many fans know Olawale Olakolu, better known by his stage name Wale Waves, as a singer, songwriter, and musician. But fewer people realise just how pivotal he has become in the Nigerian film industry as one of the most sought-after Original Soundtrack (OST) artists. Born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, Wale Waves has quietly built an impressive body of work behind the scenes—delivering music that shapes the emotional narrative of award-winning films, even as he releases solo music under his own label Dublu Ve’ Entertainment.
Recent Moves & Latest Release: “I Wanna See the President”
Wale Waves has not been idle. On 22 July 2025, he dropped a new single titled “I Wanna See the President”, now available on Apple Music and other major streaming platforms. This track marks the latest in a series of releases that demonstrate his evolving sound—one that balances personal, social, and cultural themes. For someone whose earlier work included Babalawo and Original Fake Friends (OFF), this is a sharp move toward commentary and broader appeal.
Stage Comeback & Live Performance
In Ibadan, Wale recently staged a triumphant return concert at Manhattan Hall, Jericho. Despite rainy weather, fans showed up in force to witness not just his live performance but also those of featured artists such as Brymo, Gabriel Afolayan, Dre Sticks, Keanzo, MM Natural Sax, Mbrace, among others. It was under the banner of Dublu Ve’ Entertainment, and Wale used the event to affirm his commitment to setting high quality standards and re-establishing his presence in the live music scene. He also revealed that his Babalawo EP is in production, with five new songs, and that he’s back rehearsing with his band—signs that more live and studio output can be expected.
Deep in the Soundtrack Game: Movies That Bear His Signature
Outside his solo work, Wale Waves has become a go-to person for film producers who want more than just a background beat. His soundtrack credits include:
1. Figurine (Araromire) by Kunle Afolayan – a film known for its aesthetic, suspense, and culturally rooted story.
2. The Call produced by Woli Arole – where his music contributes to the tension and emotional undercurrents.
3. NIMBE by Filmtrique – a dark, intense film requiring equally profound musical landscapes.
4. Aso O B’omo Ye from Greenwich Productions (USA) – showing how his work crosses national and diasporic boundaries.
5. Mentally by Rockbottomflix (James Abinibi) – confronting mental health themes.
6. Miss PJ, also by Rockbottomflix – combining youthful themes, morality, and Nigerian social issues.
These credits aren’t just filler: they represent his ability to adapt, to resonate with different genres, moods, and cinematic demands. They also confirm why directors and producers frequently seek him out.
Sound, Style & Cultural Roots
Being the only crossover contemporary artist from Ibadan and much of Oyo State—someone who fuses traditional African sound, local idioms, and cinematic mood—Wale Waves occupies a rare space. His style is not purely Afrobeats or pop; it often weaves spiritual, classical, folk, and indigenous textures. Tracks like Babalawo tap into Yoruba cosmology; others explore social commentary or relationships, authenticity, trust & betrayal (e.g. Original Fake Friends-OFF). His live band approach and instrumentation also set him apart from many who rely heavily on digital or synthetic backing.
Politics, Recognition, and Broader Influence
Though he stays officially non-partisan, Wale Waves has produced songs for political figures—before they attained office. He recorded tracks for Bola Ahmed Tinubu before his presidency, and Engineer Seyi Makinde before he became Governor. These aren’t mere endorsements; they are markers of someone whose voice is respected, whose music is believed to carry weight, so much that politicians seek him out to amplify their message or image. All of these songs are available for streaming, attesting to his consistency in output and relevance. This dimension shows that Wale Waves isn’t just an artist for entertainment—he’s someone whose voice enters public conversation.
Why This Moment Matters: What Makes Wale Waves Poised for Greater Reach
Momentum: With new songs, a fresh EP in the works, and a strong comeback concert, the timing is right for breaking further into both the commercial and cinematic mainstream.
Versatility: He moves effortlessly between crafting film scores (soundtracks) and putting out singles with social/political themes. That dual role gives him greater artistic and commercial leverage.
Roots + Identity: His grounding in Ibadan, his local experiences, and his Yoruba heritage inform his music in ways that feel authentic, which helps in positioning him in a crowded music scene that often prizes familiarity over originality.
Brand Control: Running his own imprint (Dublu Ve’ Entertainment) gives him control over his creative output, which is crucial when balancing soundtrack work (which may have more external constraints) and solo work (which demands personal expression).
Wale Waves is not just making music—he’s engineering emotion. His journey from Ibadan to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected OST artists showcases how an artist can stay true to roots, step into diverse creative roles, and still craft music that resonates on many levels. With new tracks, more live performances, and growing industry recognition, Wale Waves is entering a pivotal moment. For those watching, now is the time to listen closely.
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