Trousers any day jare.
What 3 songs are on constant rotation in your car?
Ominiknowest, Beyonce’s Drunk in Love and Dr.Sid’s Suruuu…….surulereeeeeee!!!
Who is that 1 person you'll do almost anything for?
My daughter now.
What are your studio essentials?
First is my recording ginger. Then a notepad and pen,…..cold drink and painkillers in case of a headache.
What is your secret career wish if you were anything but the multi talented and ever beautiful WAJE?
A superhero. Golden hair, tight blue pantsuit.and a black cape. *laughs* Or a movie star sef.
Who is WAJE?
Waje is the girl next door,who’s become the strong, passionate, God fearing woman who channels her traits and drive into her music and lets it blossom, you know……like a very bright and colourful flower. *laughs*
Main Interview
How would you describe your journey in the Nigerian Music Industry and what are some of the challenges you've faced along the way?
The journey has been rough I must say, it has been one of those experiences that certify that God is with you and carrying you through the tough times. Along the way challenges can be found in every corner, sometimes being a woman in the industry was always a big one, and having to fight for the opportunity to be seen or heard, so that you can prove your worth,…and not always getting that chance in the end.
At what point of your life did you decide you wanted a career in the arts?
I started singing from childhood you know,…and then gradually music started becoming more than just something I did in the shower, it started seeming more like something that would define me eventually, and so in my teenage years I started to embrace the drive for a career in the arts. By the time I hit 18 I was certain I was going to keep singing on and on and on.
What are your thoughts on the RnB/Afro Soul genre in Nigeria?
Afro Soul for one is a genre that now has its own fanbase, so obviously it has come a long way, especially in these parts where we like groovy jams and beats to shake to and all that. RnB too is Nigeria is on point presently, you tune into a radio station sometimes and hear some songs that just make you proud to be a Nigerian.
You are known for your "electrifying" performances on stage. Do you have any special routine you do before you get on stage?
I’ll say my prayers first, then just get into the moment….suck in all my stage chakra, hold in all the energy and when I get on stage I just let loose and let it blow out.*laughs*
How did you feel when your album Words Aren't Just Enough was nominated for the World Best Music (in Africa) album of the year?
Oh I felt very appreciated, I swear…..it was cool…..it’s like being told, we see you we hear you, and you present some real good stuff, that’s what the nomination feels like. I was thrilled naturally, and then it gave me this drive to even up my game, and put in 150% in forthcoming projects.
Your song "Omini Knowest" remains a personal favourite of mine. Tell us, what were the thoughts going through your head when you wrote the song?
*laughs* is it not all this I too know people…and haters, and amebo society members.*laughs* I just felt like addressing the issue of non-stop chatter by people who are judgemental and far too opinionated when they should be focusing on their own lives and achieving their goals. But then again part of it na just normal yans.
What are your thoughts on the state of the Nigerian music industry? And what do you think should be done to better improve the industry?
Hmmmmm……the state of the industry to me is a progressive one, because if you take a look at the industry as it was 5 years ago, and compare it to the present state, you’ll see some undeniable improvement. And as far as what should be done for more improvement, I think the industry as a whole needs to broaden it’s horizons. It should tap into more concepts, methods and ideas of doing everything music related, whether its production, performing, recording, organising concerts…writing lyrics sef…everything infact.
You describe your NGO Waje Safe House as a safe place for those rejected by society. What led to your establishment of the NGO?
You’ve just said part of it, concerning those rejected by society. I started coming face to face with too many cases of such rejection of kids, and widows and nursing mothers and all that, and so I felt the need to make my own contribution to the doing of good in this world. Like in the littlest way possible we can all add to positive change in the world, so as God has blessed me, I feel the need to pass on my blessings too.
Nowadays, collaborations are considered the norm in the entertainment industry who would you like to collaborate with both internationally and locally?
Beyonce now, why you go even ask? *laughs* Locally, maybe Olamide and Don Jazzy
Your voice is a strong selling point. Do you have any special routine in maintaining it?
Constant practise, and staying away from some of those things that can just crash your voice for you.
How do you spend your free time and what are those simple pleasures you enjoy?
I like to chill oh, like some home time is very precious to me. Time to sit at home and just watch movies. I love to read too, just kick back and flip through pages. Sometimes too I like to relax an listen to instrumentals, it just puts me in a zone…..a very relaxing zone.
What is your ultimate goal as an artiste?
Besides being the Number 1? There’s also to remain original forever and ever and ever.
What is WAJE up to now?
Oh just wait and see. There’s a storm of new material coming from WAJE very soon, in fact Words Arent Just Enough to describe the magnitude of it.*laughs*
By Abisola Alawode
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