Waje

Waje
Background information
Birth name Aituaje Aina Vivian Ebele Iruobe
Origin Edo,
Nigeria
Genres Pop, R&B, Hip hop Soul, soul, blues, Rock
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2007 –present
Associated acts Diamond Platnumz, P-Square, Banky W, M.I, Muna, Omawumi, eLDee

Aituaje Iruobe (born September 1), known as WAJE (an acronym for "Words aren’t just enough") is a Nigerian singer whose vocal range covers three octaves. She participated in the remake of P-Square’s “Omoge Mi” and featured as the female voice in the duo’s 2008 hit track “Do Me,” Banky W "Thief my Kele," M.I "One Naira."[1]

Early life

Waje was born in Akure, Ondo State in Nigeria then moved to Benin City, Edo State and was raised by her parents. She was the first child and the first daughter in her family. Her parents got divorced when she was young, and had to overcome difficult situations.[2]

Waje attended the Word of Faith Group of Schools and joined the choir. As a young singer she once sang gospel tunes to the delight of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Church of God misson int. Archbishop Benin was quite impressed by her singing and decided to help her throughout her whole secondary school days.[3][4] She then moved to Nsukka to receive a degree in social work at University of Nigeria. During her school years, Waje focused on her musical works such as school concerts and fellowships. She listened and learned from her mentors such as Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin to improve her music.[5]

Career and success

Singer

Waje's vocal range covers three octaves. She was found singing in church as a young lady whose love for humanity led her to study social work at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Being very productive whilst in school, Waje worked part-time in tourism. She however still believed she could touch a lot more with her singing talent. This gave her the drive to stay focused in her first love, music. In 2007, Waje decided to take the next step and fully launch her music career. She was still a student at the time and paid her dues by doing lots of free shows and gigs, singing at every given opportunity.[3]

The first major spotlight she received was in 2008, when she featured in the P-Square hit track titled "Do Me." This track was critically acclaimed across and was widely known across Africa and some parts of Europe. This helped boost her career a little further, after which 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 came out as the first runner up.[3]

Waje has shared the stage with various international artists such as Wyclef Jean in South Africa, opening for Kerry Hilson during a show organised in Calabar, and has also worked with a lot of artists who had hit singles, including "One Naira" with M.I, "Do Me" with P-Square and more. She also collaborated with Dencia on "True Love" [3] and has a list of songs that have received a number of award nominations and winnings. She released her self-titled debut studio album in 2013.

Waje's Safe House

Waje is currently working with the youths of her community through an organisation she calls Waje's Safe House, where she teams up with other NGOs quarterly to help fight for their cause. The first project supported under Waje's Safe House was the Mental and Environmental Development Initiative for Children, assisting the Project HELP (Help Educate the Less Privileged) which the goal of raising funds for allowing children to continue their studies in the school in Makoko, through Ring Back Tones with her hit singles Oko Mi and I wish.[3][6]

Actress

Waje has also made an acting debut on the movie called Tunnel_(film), with Femi Jacobs, Patrick Doyle, Nse- Etm, Lepacious Bose, and others. This is a 2014 Nigerian drama film directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare which is a story about a young pastor's life, journey and his fulfillments.[7]

Personal life

Waje is proud to be a single mother. Her daughter is Emerald, who was born when Waje was 17 years old. Emerald's father remains unknown.[3] [8][9] Her brother Smokey Tunes is a producer and her sisters are choristers in their various churches.[10]

Awards and nominations

Awards

Nominations

References

  1. ↑ "Meet the Most Female Bankable Musicians of 2014". Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Regret my past? No way – Waje". Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Waje". Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "Bishop Idahosa Took Care Of Me During Secondary School–Waje". mordernghana.com. Retrieved 23 March 2010.
  5. ↑ "The different faces of Waje – Which do you prefer?". Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  6. ↑ "Waje Launches Safe House". Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  7. ↑ Egole, Anozie (24 August 2013). "Waje, Lepacious Bose, others in Turnel". Vanguard. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  8. ↑ "Nothing to hide, I’m a proud single mother – Waje". Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  9. ↑ "Waje: Life’s Beautiful As Single Parent". Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  10. ↑ "Waje Explains Her Lewd Shot". Retrieved 14 February 2015.

External links