Aituaje Iruobe, known by her showbiz monikers as Waje, has released a few songs that have earned her a place as one of Nigeria’s most sought after singers. The Glo ambassador and mother of one in this interview with ORUKPE NELSON opened up on career, romance and the craziest encounter she has ever had with a fan.

Words Aren’t Just Enough (WAJE), your debut album made impressive impact not only for the quality of the collaboration but the depth of your repertoire; when should your sophomore be expected?

Thanks for the kind words. Incidentally, I’m already at work on my next album. I’ve come into a great place musically and that’s part of what I explore in my next album. You can start crossing your fingers. This year, I have so many projects going on and they are all music based. I have videos and single, but the album is not coming yet.

How is your new single, ‘Coco Baby’, doing in terms of acceptance?

The reception for ‘Coco Baby’ has been amazing. I’m very emotional sometimes when fans in East and South Africa call me out and show love. Of all the songs I’ve released, this has enjoyed the most air play and requests across Africa. Last December when the song was a month old, massive airplay statistics named it number one. I’m so grateful for the love. Shout out to all the stations and OAPs and to all my fans for requesting my music nonstop. The love is appreciated.

After this single, what’s next from you?

There are a lot of projects coming up in 2014. This year, I’m focusing particularly on my charity work, Waje’s Safe House, we are collaborating with a lot of multinational NGOs and bodies on a few projects in the second quarter of this year.

2014 seemed a defining moment for the Waje brand particularly with regard to endorsements; to what do you ascribe this?

I would humbly say that it’s God, hard work and an incredibly driven team behind me. We know what we want and we are going to get it.

What would you be doing differently in 2015, something like a New Year resolve as they say?

I’ve learnt to make life resolutions not New Year resolutions because the new year will come and go and come again and go again.

Everyday, however, we have life, so it’s basically striving towards the form of perfection we desire.

You’ve grown almost inseparable with your colleague, Omawumi, are you still that close?

I don’t think almost inseparable is the term, we have been amazing friends for a while. She’s my sister from another mother. She’s my family.

Have you ever had a fierce misunderstanding with her and how do you manage your differences?

Our sisterhood is strong, maybe stronger than you have ever thought.

We are aware of your early influence in music, but if music hasn’t been paying the bills, what would be your plan B?

My plan A- Z has always been music.There’s a quote I follow. ‘Either I find a way,or I make one’.

What other passion do you nurse?

Fashion has become my new baby. At this point in my life; I’ve finally understood my personality and style and blending both is a fabulous experience for me.

What were your earliest challenges in rising to the top?

I would say it was being given a chance when I started. But I quickly learnt that you don’t wait for opportunity, you create it.

Did you actually pattern your career after any famous Nigerian singer when you were setting out?

Not necessarily. My career was mainly patterned after brand Waje and that’s it.

Of all your songs, which one do you mostly sing at leisure and why?

‘Coco Baby’ would be it. It’s very bubbly and joyful and that beach vibe is unbeatable you know.

Is your daughter taking after your career wise?

My daughter is free to pursue any career she desires. So, if she decides to pursue a career in music, mummy’s got her back.

Now that we know the MI tale is a ruse; is there a man in Waje’s life?

I would like to know too, I’m busy asking myself.

Are you looking at wedding soon as some keep speculating?

(Chuckling) It amuses me that everybody is asking this kind of question, but really, if there are such plans, you would be the first to know.

What won’t you be able to put up within a man?

I think that’s going to be a bad attitude and disrespect.

What’s your take on artistes’ seemingly sudden obsession for political office?

I would say everyone has one thing or the other they aspire to be, and if holding a political office is one of those things, then they should be allowed to go on.

Can you recall the weirdest thing a fandid to you?

There are quite a few. Once a fan bashed my car on the road and immediately he saw it was me, he ran to me, hugged me quickly and started taking ‘selfies’ with me and ended up calling his friends on the spot. Before I left, he had already put up a post that he bashed my car with a collage of pictures which included the bashed car.