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Tag: Waje

  • I WON’T LET MY DAUGHTER BE A BABY MAMA LIKE ME –WAJE

    I WON’T LET MY DAUGHTER BE A BABY MAMA LIKE ME –WAJE

    STAR singer, actress and One ambassador, Ms Aituaje Iruobe  popularly known as Waje, has said she is not going to let her daughter end up a single mother like she did. Speaking on her parenting style amongst other things, she said, “I’m a mother but I know where to draw the line.

    Explaining her reason for such a strict stance, Waje said: “It is because I don’t want her to make the same mistakes I made. I feel like some of the decisions I made was because I was raised differently.”

    Recognising the generation gap, she explained that unlike when she was a kid, she takes the time to explain the effects of actions, rather than just saying no.

    Furthermore, she explained her point by revealing that giving reasons for decisions helped parents make their points clear to their kids.

    “For example, parents say, ‘don’t drink because I said so’ not, ‘don’t drink because it is bad for your health’”; Waje explained.

    “But I’m learning that for the children of this age, you have to tell them all the reasons why they should not do certain things.”

    Waje also said she taught her daughter, Emerald, that there is a reward for good deeds, and punishment for misdeeds. As she put it, “While my daughter was growing up, I took up the reward method; you do good, you get good. There was a consequence for every action.”

    She however admits that the blessing of being a mom has made her a better person.

    “I have learnt to be patient, more accommodating and to pay attention to details as a mom,” she said.

    “I have also learnt to map out my priorities, because there are some things I simply cannot do as a mom.”

  • WAJE, OTHERS TO HEADLINE MUSIC WORKSHOP

    WAJE, OTHERS TO HEADLINE MUSIC WORKSHOP

    FOLLOWING up on its passion to empower and develop the African youth, the organisers of the Dreams Workshop, an extension of The Dreams Project, putting together a one-day workshop, featuring professionals in the music industry who understand the importance of music as an art form and the incredible force it carries globally.

    The primary aim, according to the organisers, is to inspire young aspiring creatives by producing an atmosphere for artists to share their experiences and give attendees the chance to learn about the art of making music in a more intimate session.

    A brainchild of Eclipse Live Africa, the producers of Gidi Fest (Gidi Culture Festival), the workshop is expected to connect the next generation of innovative youth in Nigeria through the universal language of music by creating opportunities they would not typically have access to the entertainment industry.

    Organisers say that the workshop will also provide participants with insight and knowledge about how music is created and the best attendees will be selected for a mentorship program with each of the mentors. The Dreams Workshop, which is themed The Art of Creating Music, will bring together the following A-list mentors Chin Okeke (A&R), Chopstix (Producer), DJ Obi (DJ) and Waje (Singer/Songwriter). The workshop will hold on Saturday, June 11 as is targeted at young Nigerians in SS3 or above.

  • Waje to perform in Newtown for Africa Day concert

    Waje to perform in Newtown for Africa Day concert

    African songstress and producer, Waje, has been selected to perform alongside some top female singers across Africa for the Africa Day concert, on May 28, 2016, at the Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, South Africa.

    According to report, the concert created to celebrate cultural heritage returns to Newtown, with a star-studded celebration that will see some of the continents biggest acts celebrate diversity through unity.

    Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) back in May 1963.

    Also expected to grace the stage are Zonke, top South African songstress and producer, Maleh and the Soil from South Africa, Haya Samir from Egypt and Maya Kamati from Reunion

    This is the 12th year that Bassline in Newtown has been the backbone of the celebration and this year sees a line- up that far surpasses any of the previous concerts, with a strong focus on female empowerment.

     

  • WAJE, FALZ, OTHERS GRACE COCA-COLA’S ‘TASTE THE FEELING’

    SONGBIRD, Aituaje Iruobe, aka Waje, humour merchant, Folarin Falana, aka Falz, Pamela Peter-Vigboro Leesi, Miss Nigeria 2015 were among those who shared their most memorable Coca-Cola moment on the red carpet on the Coke Island, where Coca-Cola launched its new campaign, Taste the Feeling.

    The event brought together over 100 excited celebrities who had none stop fun at the Coke Island.

    “The best and fondest Coca-Cola memory was when I was in Secondary School. I was at home for a while and just before leaving home every day, my mother would leave 50 naira for me to buy my favourite combination of Coca-Cola and bread. I was the ‘Coke and Bread Girl’ for a very long time,” says Waje.

    Falz, who aside the massive strides has made in his musical, comedy and legal career, was also the official host of the recently concluded Share a Coke II campaign. He also shared his fondest and most memorable Coca-Cola moment which brought a smile to his face.

    For him, his most memorable Coca-Cola moment was at 10 birthday and how every child was excited to stand in front of a birthday cake surrounded by Coca-Cola bottles for that epic and forever classic birthday picture. According to him, “That memory remains a prominent memory in my head.”

    22-year-old Pamela too had some memories to share. “While I was in the University, my friends and I had a long-standing tradition where after class, we would all go share a bottle of Coke. It was lovely sharing Coke with friends,” she let on.

    The fun day in the sun at the Launch on Coke Island hosted several other celebrities, including Yemi Alade, 2Baba, Annie Idibia, Stephanie Coker, Denrele Edun, fast rising model Olajumoke, Kayla Oniwo, OloriSuperGal, Gideon Okeke, Gbenro Ajibade, Cynthia Morgan, YCEE, and Black Magic.

    Coke Island is a simulated island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • 4 things Waje wants God to do for men

    4 things Waje wants God to do for men

    Aituaje Aina Vivian Ebele Iruobe popularly known as Waje is a musician, but she may well be a prayer warrior of some sort.  While other celebrities were taking sides on the Tiwa Savage and T Billz marriage scandal, Waje opted to pray for the men folk in Billz’s shoes.
    Her prayer points included:
    REMOVE FRUSTRATION: What else but frustration could have made T Billz post those unprintable things he said about his wife and mother in-law? His frustration could have stemmed from Tiwa’s popularity, wealth and rumored infidelity.
    GUIDE THEIR EVERY MOVE: If it’s true that his account (T Billz’s) was hacked, then this prayer is just what he and other men like him in his situation needs. Celebrities especially are like golden fish that have no hiding place. With God guiding their every move, they may be less prone to making the wrong move, saying the wrong thing and going to the wrong places.
    TEACH THEM TO BE BOLD: This prayer is more all encompassing if the reports on the way Tiwa treated T Billz in public are anything to go by. She is reported to tend to snap at him or totally ignore him. A bolder man would stand up for his rights, be the man of his house and take charge of situations. This doesn’t mean he should beat or abuse her physically, it just means he can be confident and bold as a man. 
    FILL THEIR HEARTS WITH JOY: A joyful heart, the Bible says is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.  Happiness is a journey and it’s expected to be even more enjoyable with the supposed love of your live.  This begs the question that if Tiwa Savage and her husband really soul mates? It doesn’t seem like they are making each other happy right now but it’s also very important to note that you can’t make someone else happy if you are not joyful yourself.
     
    Waje’s prayers are wonderful and inspiring but one can’t help but wonder if she’s talking from experience. It’s no secret that she is a single mother of a teenage girl. It’s no wonder she seems to be on the side of Tiwa in this debacle. Whose side are you on?
    Leave your comments, ranting and more prayers for men below.
  • WAJE: I’M NOW CONFIDENT ABOUT MY BODY SIZE

    WAJE: I’M NOW CONFIDENT ABOUT MY BODY SIZE

    Aituaje Iruobe, known as Waje in entertainment circles, is a Nigerian singer who has been doing quite well in her music career since featuring in the remake of P-Square’s ‘Omoge Mi’ and ‘Do Me’. Presently one of the most sought-after female singers, the mother of one whose new single, ‘Ominiknowest’ is trending, speaks to DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on her career, motherhood, amongst others.

    WHAT informed the title for your song, Ominiknowest?

    The song was actually released in 2013 but the video dropped sometime in February this year. The word Ominiknowest actually refers to people who think that they know you more than you know yourself, what we call sabi sabi, ITK and others in our local parlance. In the course of my career, I have come across people like that. The song was done for them.

    You love to bring drama into your songs, why is that?

    I am a soulful musician. I like my audience to feel what I am singing based on the lyrics and not necessarily the beat because I like a person to relate my songs to my own experiences. That is how I can affect lives positively.

    When you started out, did you harbour the fear of failing and disappointing your fans?

    My mindset when I started out was that of building a music career that would be noticed all over the world. There was sure the fear of failing and disappointing some people at the beginning but my dreams are bigger than my fears and that has been my drive till date.

    How long do you feel you can stand tall, considering gender and age?

    I will always stand tall as long as I have breath in me. Any day wey body talk say Waje e don do na wen I go calm down. For now, I am very much alive and well to be at the fore front in my career.

    What does it feel like when trying to put lyrics together?

    When it comes to writing my songs, I write based on my personal experiences, things around me and other people’s experiences. It feels awesome to be able to speak my mind through my music.

    Being accepted internationally is an edge for any artiste. How did you feel being on CNN?

    Being on CNN has been one of my life long goals. I feel very excited to be on it earlier than expected. It felt really great being recognized globally; this shows my work is sure touching lives, which has been one of my life-long goals. The CNN interview was an inspiring one as it gave me the opportunity to speak about my music career, my upcoming album, Waje Safe House projects and lots more. It was a good platform for me to be able to impact not just on Nigerians but a worldwide audience through that interview. A couple of fans have reached out to me to say how they have been motivated to work harder and do more in their careers from watching the interview.

    Aside singing, are you also considering acting like your other colleagues?

    I have actually done a couple of acting jobs. I do more of stage plays and I love it a lot. I was in a 2012 movie titled Tunnel where I co-starred with Femi Jacobs.

    You are one of the few artistes that have not been found exchanging words with fans on social media. Why did the recent comment on your mum get to you?

    I take my mum very seriously and will not tolerate any rude word said against her.

    Which would you choose if you are torn between your career and daughter?

    My daughter is my primary responsibility. She comes first at all times, so if I have to choose, I will most definitely choose her.

    Aside your trending video, what are we expecting next?

    People should expect a lot of amazing works from me especially my album which I am working on. It will be produced by Cobhams. I’m also working on an African and world tour. For the next couple of months, I will be acting as one of the judges on the Voice Nigeria; it is a beautiful experience to see the talents we have in Nigeria.

    Has there been any time you feel embarrassed by your body?

    Oh yes, it happened earlier in my career when I performed at an event. Instead of people commending my good performance, they were mocking my body size. Someone even compared me to a remote control. But through it all, I came out of that depression and started working on my weight. Now I’m very confident about my body size and I enjoy the body I have been given. Women come to me to tell me that I have encouraged them to love the body they have because of the way I carry mine.

    Do you also believe that you have to live like a star to be addressed as one?

    I believe everybody is a star and should be treated as one. Every human being has potential. What everyone needs is the opportunity to be the best they can be.

    Tell us about your passion to be a voice for women?

    I am very passionate about the girl-child especially in the aspect of their right to education. This is one of the major reasons why I started the African Woman Project which aims at empowering less privileged girls who cannot send themselves to school. Currently we are working on sponsoring five girls to school for the next four years. I take this important because I am of the belief that women should get equal opportunities to education and good positions in the society.

  • Waje drops visuals for Ominiknowest

    Waje drops visuals for Ominiknowest

    Shortly after featuring on CNN’s African Voices award-winning Nigerian Singer and UN ambassador, WAJE has dropped the visuals of her latest track, Ominiknowest.

    The track, which was produced by EKelly and directed by Clarence Peters was shot in black and white. Ominiknowest shows Waje at her fiercest hitting back at ‘naysayers’ and critics. While undeniably Fela influenced, the video has Waje take on several personas; from a fiery Malcolm X, to a sultry Marilyn Monroe, a 90’s Janet Jackson in all her tomboy glory and shades of the king of Pop Michael Jackson.

    On the 5th of February, she was featured on CNN’s African Voices where she had the opportunity to talk about several issues including the African Women project, her new album and her mission to help homeless kids in Nigeria. The songbird also talked about how she uses her music platform to impact lives and be a voice to several Nigerians.

    Waje is an award winning Nigerian singer, songwriter and brand ambassador, considered Nigeria’s queen of Pop-soul. Waje’s vocal quality spans over 3 octaves and is one of Nigeria’s most popular and respected female musicians.

    She has been described as ‘a vocal powerhouse’ by respected Online Magazine, Bella Naija, ‘the sixth biggest young musician in Nigeria’ by MSN.com, & ‘One of the 300 people that made 2012’ by The NET NG. Her first album, W.A.J.E enjoyed critical and commercial acclaim and was the only Nigerian album alongside Femi Kuti’s to be nominated in the World Music Award’s Album of the Year.

  • 2Baba, Waje, Dakolo, Patoranking to coach The Voice Nigeria contestants

    2Baba, Waje, Dakolo, Patoranking to coach The Voice Nigeria contestants

    As preparations for the maiden edition of the much anticipated The Voice Nigeria show reach fever pitch, some leading Nigerian vocalists including 2Baba Idibia, Waje, Timi Dakolo and Patoranking were on Tuesday unveiled by organisers as coaches to the contestants ahead of the show which will begin airing in April.

    The unveiling of the coaches which took place at The George Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, was on the heels of the talent auditions in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos.

    Sponsored by Airtel Nigeria, The Voice franchise, since its original launch in 2010, has won audiences in countries like the U.S., Australia, South Africa and the UK, where other renowned artistes have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches. The Voice Nigeria, according to organisers, employs the same format including the panel of four coaches who critique the contestants’ performances. The coaches guide their teams of selected artistes through the remainder of the season whilst also competing to ensure that their act wins the competition.

    “It’s an exciting time for us at M-Net,” says the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said. “The Voice is an internationally renowned franchise and has consistently provided exciting television content whilst giving great opportunities to talented individuals to showcase their talent to the world. The Nigerian adaptation will be no different and our viewers can expect the best television entertainment even as we wait to discover the next generation of talented singers,” she added.

    Commenting on the unveiling of coaches, Mr. Ahmad Mokhles, the Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria noted that Airtel is passionate about creating platforms that will delight, excite, entertain and engage talented youth as well as telecoms consumers across the country.

    According to him, “The Voice Nigeria demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to its vision of connecting Nigerians to their dreams. We are also pleased by the fact that the majority of the coaches are not just icons in their respective music genres but also members of the Airtel family, underscoring our intense interest and support for the entertainment and creative industry.”

  • WAJE, COHBAMS, OTHERS FOR ‘THE UNOFFICIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY’

    WAJE, COHBAMS, OTHERS FOR ‘THE UNOFFICIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY’

    WAJE, Cohbams, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Banky W, and Bovi are among top artistes that thrilled at ‘The Unofficial Christmas Party’ held on December, 11, 2015, at the Landmark Centre, Water Corporation Road, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos.

    Explaining the need for the event, the organisers say, “We understand it’s really hard for small companies to achieve a real sense of glamour and excitement feeling because of cost, but with some of our shared parties on offer, we’re pretty sure you can have the best night of the year at a fraction of the price.

    “A shared party will typically include a three course meal and after-dinner entertainment at the disco. Some parties include drinks and exciting attractions such as live entertainment, dodgems, fun casinos and much more. An end of year celebration rewards and motivates the hard working individuals in the company and provides a much needed sense of closure for the year’s activities.”

  • Waje launches pro women campaign

    Waje launches pro women campaign

    Sonorous singer, Aituaje Iruobe, aka Waje, has embarked on a gender equality and opportunity campaign, which kicked off with the release of new pictures, and scholarship fund for five young Nigerian girls.

    The campaign tagged #AfricanWoman is geared towards enlightenment for the female gender; the singer who is a United Nations/ONE and Purple ambassador aims to empower African girls and women through her foundation, the www.waje.global.

    According to the single mother of one, “the most important and often misunderstood concept in the narratives for gender equality is opportunity. One of our key goals for this project is to create awareness about the need to guarantee the same opportunities for education and life choices for the African girl or woman. To make gender equality a reality in Africa, we must educate and empower women. I believe that the only way to do this is by being an example and a voice for our women who do not have the opportunity to speak for themselves. We must enlighten them. We must let them know that they can be the driving force of African growth. Through www.waje.safehouse.org, we will be touring the continent and kicking off a scholarship fund for 5 bright young women who are unable to fund their tertiary education.”

    Waje also revealed that there have been support from other African countries: “Mad support from Ghana!!! God Bless you guys! Support the campaign to empower African women. Support the campaign to shine the spotlight on the problems confronting Africa women. @officialwaje is embarking on a unique campaign to empower young African women. Join her now, let your voice be heard if you are concerned about the plight of young African women follow the hashtag #AfricanWomanWithWaje.”

    Waje hit the spotlight with P-Square’s 2008 hit track “Do Me” and has since then remained a voice to reckon with on the Nigerian music scene.