Waje Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Family, Net Worth

Who is Waje?

Aituaje Iruobe, widely known by her stage name Waje, is a celebrated Nigerian singer and songwriter whose powerful vocal range has made her a standout figure in the African music industry. Waje’s initial breakthrough came when she was featured on the remake of P-Square’s song “Omoge Mi,” which gained her significant recognition. However, it was her contribution to P-Square’s 2008 smash hit “Do Me” that catapulted her to widespread fame across Africa and beyond.

Her career continued to soar as she lent her soulful voice to other popular tracks, notably collaborating with Banky W on the song “Thief My Kele” and M.I Abaga on the critically acclaimed hit “One Naira.” These collaborations helped solidify her position as a versatile and sought-after vocalist in the Nigerian music scene, where her ability to blend genres like R&B, soul, and Afrobeat continues to captivate audiences.

Profiling Waje

A Quick Glance At Waje

Full Names	Aituaje Iruobe
Stage Name	Waje
Date Of Birth	September 1, 1980
Age	44 Years Old
Nationality	Nigerian
State of Origin	Anambra State, Nigeria
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, Actress,
Children	Emerald Iruobe
Marital Status	Single Mother
Academics	University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Net Worth	$1.7 million.

Biography

Early life And Education

Waje, born Aituaje Iruobe on September 1, 1980, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, spent her formative years in Benin City, Edo State, after her family relocated there shortly after her birth. As the eldest child in her family, Waje had significant responsibilities and experienced the emotional impact of her parents’ divorce at a young age. Despite these challenges, she found solace in music, developing her remarkable vocal talent through her involvement in the local church choir.

Waje attended primary and secondary school in Benin City, excelling academically while nurturing her musical passion through school concerts and fellowship performances. Her educational journey continued at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she earned a degree in social work. Despite her focus on academics, Waje remained committed to music, performing regularly on campus and drawing inspiration from legends like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. These influences helped her refine her vocal skills and shaped her distinctive sound.

Her early life, marked by both personal challenges and a deep love for music, set the foundation for her future success as one of Nigeria’s most respected vocalists. Waje’s story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication to her craft.

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Age

Waje was born on September 1, 1980, making her 44 years old as of 2024.

Career

Waje’s career is one marked by talent, versatility, and resilience, making her one of the most respected female vocalists in Nigeria’s music scene. Her journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 2000s when she first gained recognition for her powerful voice, often performing in local talent shows and church events.

Early Beginnings:

Waje’s singing career began when she was still in secondary school, where she would sing gospel music and perform at church functions. However, her major breakthrough came when she was discovered by legendary Nigerian rapper P-Square in 2007. The duo noticed her vocal talent and invited her to feature on their hit track “Do Me,” which became a massive success across Africa. This opportunity introduced Waje to a wider audience, marking the beginning of her professional career.

Solo Career:

Following her debut with P-Square, Waje released her own singles and continued to build a fanbase. In 2008, she participated in the Advanced Warning competition, a reality TV show by MTV Base Africa and Zain Nigeria, where her talent gained more visibility. Her solo career gained momentum with singles like “For A Minute” and “Kolo,” which showcased her incredible vocal range and her ability to blend genres such as R&B, soul, and Afrobeat.

First Studio Album:

Waje released her debut studio album titled “W.A.J.E” (Words Aren’t Just Enough) in 2013. The album was a significant success and received critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation in the Nigerian music industry. The project featured collaborations with big names in the African music industry, including Tiwa Savage, MI, and Burna Boy. Popular tracks from the album, such as “I Wish” and “Oko Mi,” highlighted her ability to express deep emotions through her music, gaining her a loyal fanbase.

Musical Collaborations and Accolades:

Waje has also been involved in numerous collaborations that have shaped her career. In addition to working with P-Square, she has collaborated with notable African artists such as MI Abaga, 2Face Idibia (now 2Baba), and Diamond Platnumz. Her feature on MI’s song “One Naira” became one of her most recognized performances, further boosting her profile in the continent’s music scene.

Throughout her career, Waje has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. She has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Headies and MTV Africa Music Awards. Her contributions to African music have earned her respect not just as a singer but also as a cultural icon.

“Red Velvet” Album and Recent Projects:

In 2018, Waje released her sophomore album, “Red Velvet,“ which was well-received for its mature and refined sound. The album featured a blend of Afro-soul and contemporary R&B, proving her versatility as an artist. The project showcased her growth and artistic evolution, as well as her ability to tackle diverse themes such as love, heartbreak, and self-awareness.

Beyond music, Waje has also explored acting. She starred in the Nollywood movie “Fifty,” a film produced by EbonyLife Films that tells the story of four women navigating life and personal challenges in Lagos.

Philanthropy and Mentorship:

Waje is not only known for her musical talent but also for her philanthropic efforts. She has been a strong advocate for education and has worked with the African Women Development Fund and other charitable organizations. Waje is also passionate about empowering young women and mentoring aspiring musicians through her initiatives.

Recent Developments:

In 2019, Waje surprised her fans when she announced that she was considering leaving music due to the challenges in the industry. However, after reflecting on her passion for music and support from fans, she returned with a renewed energy, collaborating on projects and preparing for new releases.

In 2021, she released the single “Lover,” which became a favorite among her fans. She continues to be active in the music scene, working on new projects and expanding her influence in the entertainment industry. Waje’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s most talented vocalists remains solid, with her music continuing to inspire and resonate with listeners both in Africa and around the world.

Future Prospects:

As of 2024, Waje is still active in the Nigerian and international music scenes, working on new albums and projects. With her exceptional vocal abilities and constant evolution as an artist, her fans eagerly await what’s next for her in the coming years. She continues to balance her role as a singer, actress, and philanthropist, proving that her contributions to the African entertainment industry are far from over.

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Discography

• W.A.J.E
• Red Velvet
• WAJE 2.0

Here is a list of Waje’s E.P.s:

• Heart Season

Here are some of Waje’s popular singles:

• “Love Me”
• “Naked Truth”
• “Kpolongo”
• “All Day”
• “I’m Available” (feat. Yemi Alade)
• “Vibes” (feat. Falz)
• “Frenemies” (feat. 2Baba)
• “Ngwa” (feat. Zoro)
• “This Christmas”
• “Best Thing”
• “Chinese” (feat. OchoForeign)

Awards and nominations

• Best Vocal Performance at the South-South Awards
• Best Female Vocalist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards
• Best African Act at the Deafa Afro-Europe Entertainment Awards
• Best Female Vocalist at the Hip Hop World Awards
• Best Reggae/Dancehall for her song “I Wish.”
• Best New Act at the Dynamix Awards
• Best Vocals at the Headies
• Best R&B Female at the City People Awards
• Best New Act of the Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards
• Best Vocal Performer Female at the Headies
• Best R&B Single at the Headies
• Female Music Act of the Year at the Exquisite Ladies of the Year Awards
• Best Contemporary Afro Video at the Nigerian Music Video Awards

Personal Life

Waje, whose full name is Aituaje Iruobe, embodies strength and determination, not only in her career but also in her personal life. As a single mother, she has navigated the complexities of balancing motherhood with a demanding music career, which has been one of her defining characteristics. At the young age of 18, Waje gave birth to her daughter, Emerald, an experience that significantly shaped her perspective on life and her professional journey. Though becoming a mother at such a young age posed challenges, Waje embraced the role wholeheartedly, dedicating herself to ensuring that Emerald had a stable, nurturing, and loving environment.

The relationship between Waje and her daughter is one built on mutual respect and love. Waje has always been vocal about the joys and responsibilities that come with being a single mother. For her, Emerald has been a source of strength and motivation, inspiring her to push forward in her career, even when the odds were stacked against her. Raising a child alone requires immense emotional resilience, and Waje has consistently risen to the occasion, making sacrifices along the way to prioritize her daughter’s well-being and personal development.

Despite the social pressures and expectations that often come with single motherhood, especially in African societies, Waje has maintained a strong sense of individuality. While many might have expected her to prioritize finding a partner and settling down, Waje chose a different path. She has not ruled out the possibility of marriage but remains clear that she will only take that step when she feels it is the right time. For Waje, marriage is not a milestone to be rushed into or dictated by societal norms.

Instead, her focus has always been on creating a thriving environment for her daughter and achieving success in her professional life. She believes that the decision to marry should be based on the right circumstances and, more importantly, with the right person.

Waje’s perspective on relationships and marriage is a reflection of her broader worldview—one that emphasizes personal growth, self-sufficiency, and the importance of making deliberate choices. Her ability to navigate the world of single parenthood, while simultaneously establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry, speaks to her character and fortitude. She has never shied away from sharing her story and experiences as a single mother, using her platform to inspire other women who may face similar challenges. Her openness about her life has made her a role model for many young women, showing them that it is possible to pursue both personal and professional goals without compromising on either.

Waje’s decision to put her energy into her career has paid off tremendously. Over the years, she has built a solid foundation for herself as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and powerful vocalists. She has seamlessly combined her career as a musician with her responsibilities as a mother, often speaking about the balancing act required to manage both roles effectively. As she continues to thrive in the music industry, Waje remains committed to being a positive influence in her daughter’s life, providing Emerald with the support and guidance needed to flourish in her own right.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Waje’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.7 million. This wealth primarily stems from her successful music career, brand endorsements, and other business ventures. Waje has established herself as one of Nigeria’s most powerful vocalists and has earned a significant following both locally and internationally, contributing to her financial success.

Social Media

You can connect with her through the social media handles below:

• Instagram: @officialwaje
• Twitter: @OfficialWaje
• Facebook: @WajeMusic
• YouTube: WajeMusic
• TikTok: @wajemusic