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Tag: Waje

  • Waje: Social media trolls once made me cry

    Waje: Social media trolls once made me cry

    Aituaje Iruobe is professionally known as Waje, which is the first letter from each word in the phrase ‘Words Aren’t Just Enough.’ She has worked her way up the entertainment ladder to become one of Nigeria’s female songstresses. She first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s ‘Omoge Mi’ and also went on to feature on the duo’s 2008 hit track ‘Do Me.’ The super singer and vocalist have gone on to release albums and hit songs including ‘One Naira’ with rapper, M.I. In this interview with REPORTER TUNRAYO ILESANMI, Waje opens on her relationship with God, her personality, her budding acting career as well as how she copes with social media trolls.

    WHO is Waje?

    Waje is a woman. I guess I will describe her as a very simple person. Someone, who understands the value of living life and living in the moment. Waje is someone who is unlearning and relearning. Everyday of my life is a learn and unlearn situation. That’s who Waje is.

    You recently featured in a series, ‘She Must Be Obeyed’. Was there a particular message  the series was trying to pass across in the entertainment industry amongst celebrities? Unhealthy Rivalry, show off?

    The entertainment part is part of it but it also tells stories of peoples’ experiences. Rivalry and show off is not only in the entertainment industry. In my own knowledge of the world and the way it works, I find out every day that the world can be toxic regardless of the industry. The only reason we have highlighted Afrobeats as an industry is because we are entertainers and that’s the space we wanted to focus on. Rivalry happens in every industry. We wanted to entertain people while also teaching them lessons about effects and consequences.

    Did you go to any acting school or it’s just natural talent ?

    I haven’t gone to any acting school yet. I applied to Del York and I’m hoping I have the time to go there and learn what I need to learn about acting. Toni Tone is my friend and she knows about my desire to be an actor and she’s one of the Nigerian actors I truly respect. When I told her about my desire to be an actor, she encouraged me a lot even when I doubted myself. Sometimes when I’m even done with a role, I’d buzz her and tell her I don’t think I did well or did my best. She’d tell me to keep working on myself and so when the script came, I shared a few things with her, she gave me a few tips that could help me. Recently, I had an audition and sent her the audition script and she helped me out. Honestly, if she had a school, I would be a student there. I haven’t formally gone to an acting school yet but I look forward to doing that.

    So if there was no Toni Tone, do you think you’d have embodied the character as much as you did?

    Well, because of the sort of person that I am, I think whatever I do, I should do it well enough for people not to insult and abuse me. I still think I would have worked hard enough. Do I think I did great? I think I did awesome but I want to do more. It’s a journey for me and I’m not putting myself under any pressure. I am in my learning phase. I’m not just a singer, Waje is a creator.

    Do you have certain  hobbies?

    I love doing interior design. That’s how I calm down. You know how people tell you they watch TV to calm down? Interior decoration is how I calm down. I even do it for my friends. I don’t do it as a business yet, that part of the company hasn’t fully started. It’s an interior design company and I have a partner who is an events person. We haven’t fully started. For now it’s just a passion.

    Are you willing to take more roles in Nollywood?

    Yes of course, more challenging roles in fact, roles that would stretch me emotionally and stretch my range. I was having a conversation with my friend the other day, and I was telling her that I wanted to take more acting roles outside the character of being a singer. Like just a regular person who you are not able to marry any of Waje’s talent as you know her to be. No similarities with Waje. Could be a psychological thriller or anything. Something that you would not be able to marry the Waje that you know and the character in the movie. A different personality from Waje.

    How have you been able to be a judge on THE VOICE for the past four years?

    I love inspiring people. Because of my personal experience, I was signed to a record label at a young age and it was a long sign of 5 albums and we did not have the capacity to do things the way we wanted to and because of that I have never really wanted to own a record label. I always felt like I didn’t want to put anybody’s life on a standstill considering everything that happened with MohBahd. I didn’t want to take someone because I passionately like the talent of that person and then two years later find out that we can’t work because of my own personal  experience with a record label. So, The VOICE gave me the opportunity to still inspire musicians without having a record label. That’s why when I’m  a judge on The VOICE, I literally can’t do anything else. It takes nothing less than four months of my life. I am there at their rehearsals, some of the coaches come, others don’t but I’m always very hands-on with them. From the rehearsals, I must see what they wear, even their hair too. I work on them psychologically because in a competition, you feel like you are not the best, you feel other people are better than you. I even bring them to my house,  I cook for them. I’m letting them see what their lives could be. From the first season to the fourth season, every contestant in the finals has been to my house. I would cook a three course meal for them, fine dining as well. And the reason why I do this is because in my mind, I feel God gave me an opportunity to inspire them. And I guess that’s why I am always called back. You actually can measure the growth of my talents if you’re truly watching the Voice.

    What is inspiring you to start a record label?

    I haven’t started my label yet. What I do for now is that I just inspire and mentor artists and the truth is that artists need record labels. Now, what can a label do differently?  First of all, it’s not about the label, it’s about the artist. The only thing a label can do differently is to make sure the artist has a lawyer and someone who can defend them who is not part of the label when conversations are going on because the artist has to be very clear about what he is signing into. We both know if we put 1 million Naira into a business, we are not hoping to get 1.150million naira. So for everything we are doing, we are doing it hoping to get returns and the truth about the music industry is that it’s so volatile that unfortunately record labels don’t get their profit till probably the fourth year, by then the artist is tired. So what’s the balance? I feel like people should go and sit down with the likes of Tiwa Savage, who was signed to Mavin and other record label owners like Olamide and ask what their artists did differently. The thing is that the labels need to understand that it’s a risk with every artist. You can sign an artist and the artist would never make you one Naira. What do you do as a record label owner when that happens? I didn’t make my record label owner any money after 10 years but they did not even push my music so it was a failure for both of us, so are you able to live with that as an investor? These are the questions that people need to start asking themselves. People also need to start seeing the artist as a product. If I see you as a product, I would not go and start renting a house for you or buying a car, it’s not my job. My job is to make sure that your talent is harnessed. The money I will use to buy a car or house, I will use it in pushing your music.

    How do we protect our talents and their intellectual property while record labels make their return on investment or do you think record labels demand too much from their artists?

    Let me paint a scenario for you. The only thing you have as an artist is the talent which is great. Production, video shoot etc I paid for as the label owner. For me, it’s a very sensitive conversation and so I don’t want to stand on the fence because I have experienced some of these things artists experience. I ask people what they signed into. Saying a record label is unfair after you have signed is where you have a problem. Did you agree to their deal?

     So what would you say about artists who desperately sign into record labels?

    The answer to that is about the person’s circle and who has their interest at heart. This is where parents come in, communities and friends too. I have mentees like Chike and others. Everytime they came to have a conversation with me, their parents were not there but you could tell that they had a community of people. It’s true that some do not have a community of people but could it also be true that sometimes, we don’t want to tell our friends the truth because we have been taught in Nigeria that your friend ‘go steal your star’. Someone has to have your back other than the record label because the record label is more interested in their pocket. It’s a philanthropist that will build a company and not expect returns. The same way Dangote is selling sugar is the same way a record label owner is selling music. The record label owner is not your father or uncle or brother so don’t expect him for charity. My point is there’s definitely a percentage of people that have nobody but the ones that have people, leverage it.

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    Don’t think that everyone is out to get you. The truth is that in this life, God uses people to bless people. He would not call Angel Michael from heaven. You’d be foolish to go into the industry without having people’s backing. Even if it’s that one friend that would make sure you are not robbed. We have to get to a point where we teach young people and labels and hold them accountable. Even if you do not have anyone to look out for you, we at least have a justice system. The justice system should be able to look out for you. And what’s even the worst that can happen? Aren’t you a creator? You lose one album…all the albums you created under the record the label doesn’t become yours but you create more albums. Is it enough for a life to be lost?

    So, what inspired you to become an independent artist?

    I didn’t sign with a label because I could tell these labels wanted to take advantage of me. We could be in a meeting and they’d tell me ‘Waje sign’ and I’d say okay but give me a figure of what you are going to put for my content and work. I didn’t need a car or house because I already had them. So if you’re coming to me, put a figure to what you’re bringing so when you make your figures back, the royalties can change but they were not willing to do it. I had to make the decision and told myself ‘you are not willing to compromise because you have been there’ and so I funded my career overtime. Looking back, 10 years later,  because it’s exactly 10 years since the record label approached me… do I feel bad that I didn’t not sign? No. And that’s because if I had signed to them, I don’t think I would have had enough drive as I have to have been pushing my music. If a record label does not have money to push you, why are you there? They want to do ‘pay as you go’ and so if you as an individual, you’ve been doing ‘pay as you go’ as an independent artist, what then is the use? The only thing they can do extra is maybe if they have media presence  which is great because we can’t do much without the media. But if that’s all there is to it, I have media friendships which have sustained me all these years and I’d  leverage that. I don’t regret not signing to any record label.

    Does criticism from social media move you, especially when you performed for Tinubu and got criticised by your fans?

     To be fair, I understood why they were talking when I performed at Tinubu’s concert. I have never really been a political person. For me at the time, I was making a business decision. It was a decision my management and I made. But when they came for me, I understood and that’s why I never responded because everyone is in their right to feel aggrieved seeing we’ve been through so much that it can feel like you’re turning a blind eye. However, I performed for an institution, not a person. The presidency is an institution not a person. You’d never see me at the campaign rally or all of that I stay away from them.

    But generally, how do you handle critics especially on social media?

    Before, I used to actually cry. I honestly believe that people who criticise and troll people are just trying to focus on something to take them away from their problems. Because if truly you are fulfilled and focused on something, you would not have the time troll others. 24 hours is not even enough for me. By the time I deal with my daughter and family issues, deal with work, mental issues and even surviving, how many hours do I have? That’s why I do not even do clapbacks. When I see someone troll me, I feel that person is subtly venting. Let me tell you a story, when I was very active on X (twitter), I had a boy who always insulted the living daylight out of me but by the time we finished our conversation, we were best friends. He became one of my armies. Sometimes, people need to understand that everyone is going through something and the fastest way to get through what we are going through is to make the person feel worse than we feel. For the first few minutes of trolling, I might be upset but I move on, I no send them. If you vent to me by trolling me, won’t it to be foolish of me to also respond?

    Your songs are either addressing societal or emotional/romantic issues. What influences your songwriting?

    It depends on where I am at the point of creating. For love songs, it could be a futuristic daydream type of situation. I could be imagining if my love life was a certain way and I would write a song concerning that. For the inspirational part of me, it is who I am, I am a Christian and I love Jesus, I am born again. And because I am light, it is what I exude so I only produce content that speaks of the life that I am surrounded by. I am a mom too, I’m not just a mom to the child I gave birth to, I am a mom to several other kids, so I am careful of the content I put out. I believe that I am accountable to the people under my care and they inspire my music and of course God too.

    There was an event you ministered as a gospel artiste that got people talking ? How did you feel about that?

    Those ones are assistant Holy spirit and God will help them. When God needs a CIA agent for his police force, he’d call them. But like I said, I do not pay attention to such things. I’ve always been a woman of the Spirit and that’s all that matters. The only thing that God is checking is my heart posture. By virtue of my heart posture, I do right by him and I’m a work in progress. At every stage of my life, He’s teaching me how to be a better person and how to react to things, how to live and react to people. He teaches me how he wants me to inspire. The only thing I owe the world is obedience to God and nothing else which is my response to people like that. I can be sanctimonious and do things the way people would rather have me do it in the typical way but my heart would be as decayed as ever but they would not know. In the world, work is what prevails but with God, it’s your heart. Your works mean nothing to God.

    How do you balance motherhood, singing, acting and everything you do?

    I honestly do not know how. I believe God gave me a very rare gift and the gift is not in my music, It’s in my nurturing which is why I create the music I create. One of the major attributes of Waje is that she nurtures. I don’t nurture because I am a woman, I nurture because that’s the gift God gave me to explode, it’s my ministry. When I am being who I am to kids who are not mine, I don’t think about it, I just ‘be it’. I have a lot of young women who are like my mentees and I make myself available to them. I’m always present for them. I just feel like that’s how God formed me. I don’t think about having a structure to the many things I do, I just do them. It’s not a role that I would say I have structured just to sound eloquent and l have established, it’s just who I am and how I’ve survived.

    You’ve done quite a number of collaborations over the years, which is your most significant?

    It’s like asking which of my children is my favourite. I would say ‘One Naira’ with M.I which is over a decade and it is still relevant till date. There are not a lot of love songs that has made people feel a sense of ownership to love without thinking of the erotic love asides ‘African Queen.’ When you sing ‘One Naira,’ you see people’s faces light up. The song had gone beyond a relationship between a man and a woman and that’s why I think it’s the most impactful. There are other songs that have made a great impact but I would say ‘One Naira.’

    What are the hurdles you’ve faced so far being a musical artist, and how have you overcome them?

    I think the biggest challenge I have faced as a female artist would be representation. In this industry, outside when money comes, the biggest thing you can achieve is how you’re represented. My challenge hasn’t really been money, before now I could have said money was the problem but it’s not. Been able to sit in a room where what I was doing was leveraged and lauded. I might be doing the work, but am I getting enough representation with the stakeholders and media? Knowing what I know now, I’d say representation is a hurdle.

    How have you been able to stay consistent all these years? Have you ever felt like giving up?

    We feel like giving up everyday…even bankers want to give up sef. You’re allowed to feel those emotions but after feeling it, you wake up and do what needs to be done…that is life. There is no job that doesn’t come with its challenges. I’ve definitely thought of quitting once or twice but I’ve now come to the understanding I know feeling those things is not a bad thing but it’s how I channel and use it. I go for breaks when I need them. This year I have needed a break more than anything and that’s because last year, my management made me do 3 albums in five months and 11 days. I didn’t have a life last year. My last album is being considered for the Grammy nomination this year. I was so exhausted this year. Sometimes, exhaustion is not just your body, It can also be your mind. I was not in any creative space whatsoever. It’s fine and okay to be exhausted. This month on the 27th, I’m now coming out with the first musical content release this year. That’s one of the things I love Beyoncé for,  it’s OK to go off the radar and feed yourself and come back.

  • Waje: Social media trolls once made me cry

    Waje: Social media trolls once made me cry

    AITUAJE Iruobe is professionally known as Waje, which is the first letter from each word in the phrase ‘Words Aren’t Just Enough.’ She has worked her way up the entertainment ladder to become one of Nigeria’s female songstresses. She first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s ‘Omoge Mi’ and also went on to feature on the duo’s 2008 hit track ‘Do Me.’ The super singer and vocalist have gone on to release albums and hit songs including ‘One Naira’ with rapper, M.I. In this interview with REPORTER TUNRAYO ILESANMI, Waje opens on her relationship with God, her personality, her budding acting career as well as how she copes with social media trolls.

    Who is Waje?

    Waje is a woman. I guess I will describe her as a very simple person. Someone, who understands the value of living life and living in the moment. Waje is someone who is unlearning and relearning. Everyday of my life is a learn and unlearn situation. That’s who Waje is.

    You recently featured in a series, ‘She Must Be Obeyed’. Was there a particular message  the series was trying to pass across in the entertainment industry amongst celebrities? Unhealthy Rivalry, show off?

    The entertainment part is part of it but it also tells stories of peoples’ experiences. Rivalry and show off is not only in the entertainment industry. In my own knowledge of the world and the way it works, I find out every day that the world can be toxic regardless of the industry. The only reason we have highlighted Afrobeats as an industry is because we are entertainers and that’s the space we wanted to focus on. Rivalry happens in every industry. We wanted to entertain people while also teaching them lessons about effects and consequences.

    Did you go to any acting school or it’s just natural talent ?

    I haven’t gone to any acting school yet. I applied to Del York and I’m hoping I have the time to go there and learn what I need to learn about acting. Toni Tone is my friend and she knows about my desire to be an actor and she’s one of the Nigerian actors I truly respect. When I told her about my desire to be an actor, she encouraged me a lot even when I doubted myself. Sometimes when I’m even done with a role, I’d buzz her and tell her I don’t think I did well or did my best. She’d tell me to keep working on myself and so when the script came, I shared a few things with her, she gave me a few tips that could help me. Recently, I had an audition and sent her the audition script and she helped me out. Honestly, if she had a school, I would be a student there. I haven’t formally gone to an acting school yet but I look forward to doing that.

    So if there was no Toni Tone, do you think you’d have embodied the character as much as you did?

    Well, because of the sort of person that I am, I think whatever I do, I should do it well enough for people not to insult and abuse me. I still think I would have worked hard enough. Do I think I did great? I think I did awesome but I want to do more. It’s a journey for me and I’m not putting myself under any pressure. I am in my learning phase. I’m not just a singer, Waje is a creator.

    Do you have certain  hobbies?

    I love doing interior design. That’s how I calm down. You know how people tell you they watch TV to calm down? Interior decoration is how I calm down. I even do it for my friends. I don’t do it as a business yet, that part of the company hasn’t fully started. It’s an interior design company and I have a partner who is an events person. We haven’t fully started. For now it’s just a passion.

    Are you willing to take more roles in Nollywood?

    Yes of course, more challenging roles in fact, roles that would stretch me emotionally and stretch my range. I was having a conversation with my friend the other day, and I was telling her that I wanted to take more acting roles outside the character of being a singer. Like just a regular person who you are not able to marry any of Waje’s talent as you know her to be. No similarities with Waje. Could be a psychological thriller or anything. Something that you would not be able to marry the Waje that you know and the character in the movie. A different personality from Waje.

    How have you been able to be a judge on THE VOICE for the past four years?

    I love inspiring people. Because of my personal experience, I was signed to a record label at a young age and it was a long sign of 5 albums and we did not have the capacity to do things the way we wanted to and because of that I have never really wanted to own a record label. I always felt like I didn’t want to put anybody’s life on a standstill considering everything that happened with MohBahd. I didn’t want to take someone because I passionately like the talent of that person and then two years later find out that we can’t work because of my own personal  experience with a record label. So, The VOICE gave me the opportunity to still inspire musicians without having a record label. That’s why when I’m  a judge on The VOICE, I literally can’t do anything else. It takes nothing less than four months of my life. I am there at their rehearsals, some of the coaches come, others don’t but I’m always very hands-on with them. From the rehearsals, I must see what they wear, even their hair too. I work on them psychologically because in a competition, you feel like you are not the best, you feel other people are better than you. I even bring them to my house,  I cook for them. I’m letting them see what their lives could be. From the first season to the fourth season, every contestant in the finals has been to my house. I would cook a three course meal for them, fine dining as well. And the reason why I do this is because in my mind, I feel God gave me an opportunity to inspire them. And I guess that’s why I am always called back. You actually can measure the growth of my talents if you’re truly watching the Voice.

    What is inspiring you to start a record label?

    I haven’t started my label yet. What I do for now is that I just inspire and mentor artists and the truth is that artists need record labels. Now, what can a label do differently?  First of all, it’s not about the label, it’s about the artist. The only thing a label can do differently is to make sure the artist has a lawyer and someone who can defend them who is not part of the label when conversations are going on because the artist has to be very clear about what he is signing into. We both know if we put 1 million Naira into a business, we are not hoping to get 1.150million naira. So for everything we are doing, we are doing it hoping to get returns and the truth about the music industry is that it’s so volatile that unfortunately record labels don’t get their profit till probably the fourth year, by then the artist is tired. So what’s the balance? I feel like people should go and sit down with the likes of Tiwa Savage, who was signed to Mavin and other record label owners like Olamide and ask what their artists did differently. The thing is that the labels need to understand that it’s a risk with every artist. You can sign an artist and the artist would never make you one Naira. What do you do as a record label owner when that happens? I didn’t make my record label owner any money after 10 years but they did not even push my music so it was a failure for both of us, so are you able to live with that as an investor? These are the questions that people need to start asking themselves. People also need to start seeing the artist as a product. If I see you as a product, I would not go and start renting a house for you or buying a car, it’s not my job. My job is to make sure that your talent is harnessed. The money I will use to buy a car or house, I will use it in pushing your music.

    How do we protect our talents and their intellectual property while record labels make their return on investment or do you think record labels demand too much from their artists?

    Let me paint a scenario for you. The only thing you have as an artist is the talent which is great. Production, video shoot etc I paid for as the label owner. For me, it’s a very sensitive conversation and so I don’t want to stand on the fence because I have experienced some of these things artists experience. I ask people what they signed into. Saying a record label is unfair after you have signed is where you have a problem. Did you agree to their deal?

     So what would you say about artists who desperately sign into record labels?

    The answer to that is about the person’s circle and who has their interest at heart. This is where parents come in, communities and friends too. I have mentees like Chike and others. Everytime they came to have a conversation with me, their parents were not there but you could tell that they had a community of people. It’s true that some do not have a community of people but could it also be true that sometimes, we don’t want to tell our friends the truth because we have been taught in Nigeria that your friend ‘go steal your star’. Someone has to have your back other than the record label because the record label is more interested in their pocket. It’s a philanthropist that will build a company and not expect returns. The same way Dangote is selling sugar is the same way a record label owner is selling music. The record label owner is not your father or uncle or brother so don’t expect him for charity. My point is there’s definitely a percentage of people that have nobody but the ones that have people, leverage it.

    Don’t think that everyone is out to get you. The truth is that in this life, God uses people to bless people. He would not call Angel Michael from heaven. You’d be foolish to go into the industry without having people’s backing. Even if it’s that one friend that would make sure you are not robbed. We have to get to a point where we teach young people and labels and hold them accountable. Even if you do not have anyone to look out for you, we at least have a justice system. The justice system should be able to look out for you. And what’s even the worst that can happen? Aren’t you a creator? You lose one album…all the albums you created under the record the label doesn’t become yours but you create more albums. Is it enough for a life to be lost?

    So, what inspired you to become an independent artist?

    I didn’t sign with a label because I could tell these labels wanted to take advantage of me. We could be in a meeting and they’d tell me ‘Waje sign’ and I’d say okay but give me a figure of what you are going to put for my content and work. I didn’t need a car or house because I already had them. So if you’re coming to me, put a figure to what you’re bringing so when you make your figures back, the royalties can change but they were not willing to do it. I had to make the decision and told myself ‘you are not willing to compromise because you have been there’ and so I funded my career overtime. Looking back, 10 years later,  because it’s exactly 10 years since the record label approached me… do I feel bad that I didn’t not sign? No. And that’s because if I had signed to them, I don’t think I would have had enough drive as I have to have been pushing my music. If a record label does not have money to push you, why are you there? They want to do ‘pay as you go’ and so if you as an individual, you’ve been doing ‘pay as you go’ as an independent artist, what then is the use? The only thing they can do extra is maybe if they have media presence  which is great because we can’t do much without the media. But if that’s all there is to it, I have media friendships which have sustained me all these years and I’d  leverage that. I don’t regret not signing to any record label.

    Does criticism from social media move you, especially when you performed for Tinubu and got criticised by your fans?

     To be fair, I understood why they were talking when I performed at Tinubu’s concert. I have never really been a political person. For me at the time, I was making a business decision. It was a decision my management and I made. But when they came for me, I understood and that’s why I never responded because everyone is in their right to feel aggrieved seeing we’ve been through so much that it can feel like you’re turning a blind eye. However, I performed for an institution, not a person. The presidency is an institution not a person. You’d never see me at the campaign rally or all of that I stay away from them.

    But generally, how do you handle critics especially on social media?

    Before, I used to actually cry. I honestly believe that people who criticise and troll people are just trying to focus on something to take them away from their problems. Because if truly you are fulfilled and focused on something, you would not have the time troll others. 24 hours is not even enough for me. By the time I deal with my daughter and family issues, deal with work, mental issues and even surviving, how many hours do I have? That’s why I do not even do clapbacks. When I see someone troll me, I feel that person is subtly venting. Let me tell you a story, when I was very active on X (twitter), I had a boy who always insulted the living daylight out of me but by the time we finished our conversation, we were best friends. He became one of my armies. Sometimes, people need to understand that everyone is going through something and the fastest way to get through what we are going through is to make the person feel worse than we feel. For the first few minutes of trolling, I might be upset but I move on, I no send them. If you vent to me by trolling me, won’t it to be foolish of me to also respond?

    Your songs are either addressing societal or emotional/romantic issues. What influences your songwriting?

    It depends on where I am at the point of creating. For love songs, it could be a futuristic daydream type of situation. I could be imagining if my love life was a certain way and I would write a song concerning that. For the inspirational part of me, it is who I am, I am a Christian and I love Jesus, I am born again. And because I am light, it is what I exude so I only produce content that speaks of the life that I am surrounded by. I am a mom too, I’m not just a mom to the child I gave birth to, I am a mom to several other kids, so I am careful of the content I put out. I believe that I am accountable to the people under my care and they inspire my music and of course God too.

    There was an event you ministered as a gospel artiste that got people talking ? How did you feel about that?

    Those ones are assistant Holy spirit and God will help them. When God needs a CIA agent for his police force, he’d call them. But like I said, I do not pay attention to such things. I’ve always been a woman of the Spirit and that’s all that matters. The only thing that God is checking is my heart posture. By virtue of my heart posture, I do right by him and I’m a work in progress. At every stage of my life, He’s teaching me how to be a better person and how to react to things, how to live and react to people. He teaches me how he wants me to inspire. The only thing I owe the world is obedience to God and nothing else which is my response to people like that. I can be sanctimonious and do things the way people would rather have me do it in the typical way but my heart would be as decayed as ever but they would not know. In the world, work is what prevails but with God, it’s your heart. Your works mean nothing to God.

    How do you balance motherhood, singing, acting and everything you do?

    I honestly do not know how. I believe God gave me a very rare gift and the gift is not in my music, It’s in my nurturing which is why I create the music I create. One of the major attributes of Waje is that she nurtures. I don’t nurture because I am a woman, I nurture because that’s the gift God gave me to explode, it’s my ministry. When I am being who I am to kids who are not mine, I don’t think about it, I just ‘be it’. I have a lot of young women who are like my mentees and I make myself available to them. I’m always present for them. I just feel like that’s how God formed me. I don’t think about having a structure to the many things I do, I just do them. It’s not a role that I would say I have structured just to sound eloquent and l have established, it’s just who I am and how I’ve survived.

    You’ve done quite a number of collaborations over the years, which is your most significant?

    It’s like asking which of my children is my favourite. I would say ‘One Naira’ with M.I which is over a decade and it is still relevant till date. There are not a lot of love songs that has made people feel a sense of ownership to love without thinking of the erotic love asides ‘African Queen.’ When you sing ‘One Naira,’ you see people’s faces light up. The song had gone beyond a relationship between a man and a woman and that’s why I think it’s the most impactful. There are other songs that have made a great impact but I would say ‘One Naira.’

    What are the hurdles you’ve faced so far being a musical artist, and how have you overcome them?

    I think the biggest challenge I have faced as a female artist would be representation. In this industry, outside when money comes, the biggest thing you can achieve is how you’re represented. My challenge hasn’t really been money, before now I could have said money was the problem but it’s not. Been able to sit in a room where what I was doing was leveraged and lauded. I might be doing the work, but am I getting enough representation with the stakeholders and media? Knowing what I know now, I’d say representation is a hurdle.

    How have you been able to stay consistent all these years? Have you ever felt like giving up?

    We feel like giving up everyday…even bankers want to give up sef. You’re allowed to feel those emotions but after feeling it, you wake up and do what needs to be done…that is life. There is no job that doesn’t come with its challenges. I’ve definitely thought of quitting once or twice but I’ve now come to the understanding I know feeling those things is not a bad thing but it’s how I channel and use it. I go for breaks when I need them. This year I have needed a break more than anything and that’s because last year, my management made me do 3 albums in five months and 11 days. I didn’t have a life last year. My last album is being considered for the Grammy nomination this year. I was so exhausted this year. Sometimes, exhaustion is not just your body, It can also be your mind. I was not in any creative space whatsoever. It’s fine and okay to be exhausted. This month on the 27th, I’m now coming out with the first musical content release this year. That’s one of the things I love Beyoncé for,  it’s OK to go off the radar and feed yourself and come back.  



  • I pressured myself on set of ‘She Must Be Obeyed’

    I pressured myself on set of ‘She Must Be Obeyed’

    Talented singer, songwriter, and actress, Aituaje Iruobe aka Waje recently highlighted the pressure she placed on herself to excel on the set of Funke Akindele’s drama series for Prime Video, ‘She Must Be Obeyed.’

    Waje said despite her experience in music, she recognised the need to excel in acting, especially in a series intertwined with music.

    “I’m used to long hours already and I think the major challenge was the pressure I put on myself because I didn’t want to be mediocre. Because it is a series backed by a lot of music, there is a tendency to relax, as I am experienced at music but I still needed to do my homework,” she began.

    Read Also: Friends like Hilda Baci, double blessings – Enioluwa Adeoluwa

    Continuing, Waje heaped praise on Toni Tones, who served as an acting coach, and Funke Akindele for their support and patience in helping her understand her character to deliver an authentic performance.

    “Shout out to Toni Tones who was somewhat like an acting coach for me. Many times, I rehearsed my lines with her before I came on set and Funke was so patient. She made it relatable so I could understand my character. You may think you’re doing a good job but the camera doesn’t lie and the person watching you and the camera will pick it up if you’re doing poorly,” said Waje.

  • Firms plan festival to raise N10m scholarship for students

    Scholarx and iManage Africa have announced plans to hold a festival, AcadaFest, to help raise up to N10 million to sponsor university tuition for deserving students in Nigeria.

    The event scheduled for September 15, 2019 at the Muri Okunola Park, Vitoria Island, Lagos, would feature Music from top acts like Waje, Show Dem Camp, Bez Idakula and Johnny Drille.

    It will also showcase Food and Book vendors like Dundu Nation, Azdamtreats, Rovingheights Books.

    A statement by CEO of ScholarX, Bola Lawal, noted that the festival is being sponsored  by FCMB, Tecno Mobile, Okadabooks, Wallets.Africa, Pulse.ng  and others,  which will allow the entire proceeds from ticket sales to go towards the Scholarship Fund.

    He said with the economic inequalities in Nigeria, there was need for collaboration by Nigerians outside government to help the situation.

    “I don’t think it’s a secret that we have access to education problem in Nigeria, largely due to economic inequalities caused by high poverty levels. What we as a collective; need to improve upon is how to help make things better? Yes, we know government (at all level) need to step up their efforts, but we can’t wait, we must act. And this is what ScholarX is all about. Using technology, we want to connect as many students as we can to viable funding sources. AcadaFest is another step in the right direction. We are very grateful that iManage Africa joined us in making this a reality,” Lawal said.

    Godwin Tom, CEO, iManage Africa, said collaborating with ScholarX was an opportunity he had sought for to give back to the society.

    He said: “Like many people in Nigeria who are willing to contribute or support the future of many young people, I always struggled with how best to do so and ScholarX created a solution for me and people like me. I needed to find a way to get more people to know about the tremendous work they are doing. Acadafest is an opportunity to do and send some deserving students to school at the same time. Everyone wins!” –

    Lawal, called for members of the public to support the festival by purchasing tickets from the firm’s website.

    ScholarX is an education Finance platform that has fully funded 600 students with $70,000 in tuition raised, and $100,000 in scholarships managed and 300 Diaspora Donors.

    iManage Africa is a talent manager/brand consultant firm in Nigeria, which has managed stars like Wizkid, and currently manages: Wande Coal, Ice Prince, Bez, Show Dem Camp, Beverly Naya and planned and executed sold out concerts.

  • Waje features daughter and Johnny Drille in new video

    Ahead of her highly anticipated first concert, award winning RnB star Waje has just released images from the set of her upcoming video ‘Udue’ featuring Johnny Drille.

    Starring the singer’s stunning daughter Emerald as Johnny Drille’s love interest, the video was shot on location at the scenic Lufasi Park, Lagos.

    Read Also: Defiant Tekno releases controversial music video, ‘Agege’ showing ‘half-naked’ girls

    The video follows the upbeat, soulful and seamless flow of the song ‘Udue’ telling the story of a young couple in love and enjoying each other’s company close to nature, far-away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

    The visuals for ‘Udue’ was produced by Fatima Omokwe and the video directed by Catalyst and will be out on Thursday August 15, 2018.

    Waje’s concert Red Velvet hold on September 1 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

  • WAJE GETS ANOTHER CONTRACT

    TILL celebrating her new project as a co-filmmaker, with the movie She Is, singer Waje has been officially signed up as one of the brand ambassador of 23OHSIX, an International Full Service Marketing, Management and Creative Agency.

    The online company posted the news with the photo of the singer, saying exciting things lined up for the near future.

    “Officially welcoming the amazingly talented @officialwaje to our family! So many exciting things lined up for the near future, stay tuned.”

    Read also: Waje, Praize, others in ‘Because Of You’

    “We are extremely happy to announce the newest addition to the @23OHSIX family — @OfficialWaje Fresh off the release of her latest album #RedVelvet, she is premiering her newest film in theaters across Nigeria and other parts of Africa. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments and this is just the beginning.”

    The movie, ‘She Is’, co-produced with Omowumi Dada features top studded cast such as Somkele, Desmond Elliot, Chigul, Frank Donga, Segun Arinze, Ejike Asiegbu and Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor among others.

  • Waje, Praize, others in ‘Because Of You’

    GIFTED with a beautiful voice, singer turned co-movie producer Waje, alongside three other artistes – IBK Spaceshipboi, Praize and Always Good came together to work on a new single titled ‘Because Of You’ – a song they said is dedicated to God’s presence.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Waje noted that, “Gratitude is a selfless act: it builds relationships and attracts us to people with that positive vibe which amplifies success. That’s why we got together, that’s how we made this song and that’s why we are passing on the positive vibes. Show love to whoever comes your way because everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

    Recall that last week, the National President of Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON), Asu Ekiye, called up the popular singer to go back to where she started her singing career; the church.

  • OMAWUMI ENCOURAGES WAJE

    COMING out as co-producers with the movie, ‘She Is’, which premiered in cinemas recently, songstress Omawumi has come out to confess her respect for colleague Waje.

    With the movie still running in the cinema, Omawumi took to her Instagram account to bare her mind to Waje.

    “My Dear Friend turned Sister, the conversation we had concerning this recent video; we had it in private. But I want to use this medium to tell you. I can relate 100%. I am thankful for your love and support and being the strong woman that you are. I know you can’t quit nothing! And leave me alone in this industry? Mbanu!

    “No it’s not her birthday; SHE IS…My Besto so I can celebrate her anytime I want.”

    Read also: I wrote ‘Butterflies’ at third trimester, says Omawumi

    Early 2019, the two entertainers established Hermanes Media, a media company set up to provide services such as film/TV production, TV adverts, content curation, brand event activation and creative digital marketing.

    ‘She Is’ has Somkele Idhalama playing Frances, a successful realtor as the lead character. Her life changes when she’s told by her gynecologist that she has a fibroid which adversely affects her ability to conceive. As such, she goes husband-hunting, going on several dates with men and contemplates adopting.

  • WAJE ADVISED TO RETURN TO GOSPEL MUSIC TO SAVE HER CAREER

    NATIONAL President of Fellowship of gospel music ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON), Asu Ekiye, has called up popular singer Waje to go back to where she started her singing career; the church.

    Ekiye writes, “My Beloved sister WAJE @officialwaje, my name is Asu Ekiye, The National President of FOGMMON Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria. I watched u live talking about your experiences in the music Industry.. I felt very touched and seriously constrained to say this to you.

    “While thanking God for your sterling achievement in the world of secular music, May I use this medium to let u know that your primary constituency remains the church. I want to officially invite you to come back to Gospel Music where u started from. The Holy Spirit awaits your arrival… There is a big space for you in the kingdom… This is where you belong. God is about to use you to another level. God bless.”

    Reacting to the above post, kingsleyukaegbu1 replied “@asuekiye , Sir you are very correct. I am a witness of the glory in the life of @officialwaje back then in the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Infact I finally get my life to Christ during one of her ministrations. This lady is highly anointed. When she sings people fall under the anointing all over the auditorium, please @officialwaje please come back to Gospel music. The world is waiting for you. We all love you”.

    Read also: OMAWUMI ENCOURAGES WAJE

    Itschristianeze “@asuekiye I agree sir. Nothing in this could satisfy. The emptiness can never be filled without Jesus. Therefore it will only end in regrets, frustration without Jesus. But a life full of Jesus can never experience such regrets. I watched it too and I was shocked. You mean with all the glamour, awards, great voice and songs, there are still regrets? It means there is something MORE and if God has opened her to this kind of frustration outside him, it means God wants her @officialwaje to come back to Him. Our God is loving and He is ever ready to lavish His love on us all because HE IS A PRODIGAL FATHER.”

  • Waje set to quit music over lack of funds

    Afro-soul star, Aituaje Iruobe aka Waje reportedly wants to quit doing music professionally.

    Waje announced this move in a now-viral video, citing high cost of publicity and low purchase rates of her album as reasons why she was considering quitting.

    She said, “After everybody shouted ‘Waje, your last album was how many years ago, please we need an album’. Where are all the people that were shouting?

    “I don’t have the money for publicity and that’s what I am saying. Emerald’s (her daughter) school fees is there.

    “it’s like I have ten things laid out for me and every single time, its always been my music, my music that is taking the bulk of my money.

    “I am not willing to put money there anymore,” she said.

    Nigerians on Twitter have jumped on the video to react, making ‘Waje’ the number two trending topic on Twitter, on Monday.

    Most of the respondents symphatised with her, noting that the music industry can be a hard terrain to glide through. They pleaded with her not to quit music but face her mental health first.

    @Monyemorris tweeted, “I am upset by this. But i totally get Waje’s point. Music will just be a bottomless pit where she will be putting limited funds in. I think she should take her music outside Nigeria.”

    @Zeon_imyang said, “I’m not happy @OfficialWaje deserves all love and support. Actual support not retweets, buy her album if you can. I love you waje.”

    @Soul_inspiredom said, “In developed countries, Waje’s album will be topping the chart in grossing sales right now and in the weeks to come. But this is Nigeria.”

    @Sallykeneth tweeted, “Dear Waje, Stay strong. It’s just a phase. You’ll get over it, learn new ways to ace this thing and shine even brighter. Gosh! I know where you’re coming from.”

    @Lafytoluu wrote, “Waje released an Album last year and I loved it. So many good songs on it. What’s going on?”

    In 2007, Waje launched her music career. She was still a student at the time and paid her dues by doing lots of free shows and gigs.

    In 2008, she featured in the P-Square hit track titled ‘Do Me’. This track was widely known across Africa and some parts of Europe.

    She participated in ‘Advanced Warning’, a reality TV show which featured artists that are on the verge of a breakthrough.

    The reality show was organised by MTV Base South Africa and Zain Nigeria, where she was the runner up.

    Waje has shared the stage with artists such as Wyclef Jean in South Africa, opening for Kerry Hilson during a show organised in Calabar , and featured in “One Naira” by M.I.

    Waje was among the judges for The Voice Nigeria alongside Tuface (2face Idibia), Timi Dakolo and Patoranking.

    She released a single titled ‘OH MY’ in November 2018 and later released her Album same 2018,titled ‘REDVELVET’.