Birth Name: Aituaje Iruobe
Stage Name: Waje
Birth Date: September 1, 1980
Occupation(s): Singer, Songwriter, Reality TV Star, Actress
Genre: Soul, R&B, Pop, Afro-Pop
Years Active: 2007 – Present
Net Worth: Unknown
Personal Life
Waje is is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was born on September 1, 1980, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. She is the first child of her parents who got divorced when she was young. Her stage name ‘Waje’ is an acronym that means ‘Words Aren’t Just Enough’.
Education
She grew up in Benin City. She attended Word of Faith Group of Schools and was a member of the school choir. Her incredible vocals captured the heart of late Archbishop Benson Idahosa who took it upon himself to fund her secondary education.
Waje relocated to Nsukka and attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she earned a degree in Social Work. To improve on herself, she listened to Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.
Career
She launched her music career in 2007 while still a student. She did free shows and gigs. In 2008, she featured in P-Square’s hit track ‘Do Me’. The song gained popularity across Africa and some parts of Europe.
Waje participated in a TV reality show for artists that are on the verge of a breakthrough, Advanced Warning, where she was the runner-up. The show was organized by MTV Base South Africa and Zain Nigeria.
As an actress, she debuted in the movie ‘Tunnel’ in 2014 alongside Nse Ikpe-Etim, Patrick Doyle, and Femi Jacobs.
Waje featured alongside Patoranking, Tuface, and Timi Dakolo as judges for The Voice Nigeria.
Albums
2018 – Red Velvet
2013 – W.A.J.E
Awards
2014 – ELOY Awards, Best Female Artist
2013 – I wish in the W.A.J.E ALBUM was named Best Reggae/Dancehall
2012 – South-South Awards, Best Female Performer
2011 – Hip Hop World Awards, Best Female Vocalist
2011 – Deafa Afro-Europe Entertainment Awards named, Best African Act
2011 – Nigerian Entertainment Awards, Best Female Vocalist
2010 – South-South Awards, Best Vocal Performance Award
Nominations
2014 – World Music Awards, World Best Entertainer
2014 – World Music Awards, World Best Female Entertainer
2014 – World Music Awards, World Best Live Act
2014 – Black Canadian Awards, Best International Act
2011 – Nigerian Music Video Awards, Best Contemporary Afro Video
2011 – Channel O Music Video Awards, Most Gifted Female Video
2011 – Exquisite Ladies of the Year, Female Music Art of the Year
2011 – The Headies, Best R&B Single
2011 – The Headies, Best Vocal Performer Female
2011 – Nigeria Entertainment Awards, Best New Act of the Year
2011 – Nigeria Entertainment Awards, Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year
2011 – City People Awards, Best R&B Female
2010 – The Headies, Best Vocals
2009 – Dynamix Awards, Best New Act
2009 – Nigerian Music Video Awards, Best New Video
Trivia
Waje is a singer mother. She had her daughter, Emerald, while still writing her West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations. She kept the pregnancy a secret from her mother until she was five months into the pregnancy. She was suspended from the church’s choir for getting pregnant out of wedlock.
In March 2019, Waje posted a video via her Instagram saying that she intends to quit music professionally because of the lack of support towards her music.
However, in April 2019, she teamed up with Omawumi to record the soundtrack of Somkele Idhalama-produced movie ‘She Is’