Waje
Born on 1 September in Akure, Ondo State in Nigeria, Waje (real name Aituaje Aina Vivian Ebele Iruobe) is Nigerian singer whose vocal range covers three octaves.
WAJE is an acronym for "Words aren’t just enough".
Waje grew up in Benin City, Edo State. Her dad is from Edo, while her mum hails from Onitsha, Anambra State.
She started singing when she was a young girl. Waje attended Word of Faith Group of Schools, where her musical career sprung up as a choir member. Once she sang gospel tunes to the delight of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Church of God misson int. As Archbishop Benin was impressed by her singing, he decided to help her throughout her whole secondary school days.
During her school years, Waje’s mentors were Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. She was also a member of the Children Evangelical Ministry and sang at Easter Camp Meetings.
She then got admission to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and later graduated graduated with a degree in Social Work.
In 2007, Waje decided to launch her music career. Though she still was a student, she sang at every given opportunity.
In 2008, Waje featured as the female voice in P-Square’s hit track “Do Me”. Afterwards, her singing career boosted further as she participated in Advanced Warning (a reality TV show which featured artists that are on the verge of a breakthrough) and came out as the first runner up. The show was organised by MTV Base South Africa and ZAIN Nigeria.
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. She also participated in the remake of P-Square’s “Omoge Mi” and collaborated with M.I on "One Naira", with Dencia on "True Love" and with Banky W on "Thief my Kele" among others.
In 2013, Waje released her self-titled debut studio album. Several her songs have received a number of award nominations and winnings.
In 2014, Waje was nominated four times at the World Music Awards: World Best Album, World Best Live Act, World Best Female Entertainer and World Best Entertainer.
Waje is currently working with the youths of her community through an organisation she calls WajeSafeHouse, where she teams up with other NGOs quarterly to help fight for their cause.
Waje has a daughter, Emerald, who was born when Waje was 17 years old. The name of Emerald's biological father remains unknown.
