Popular Nigerian singer, Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje recently shared a video on her YouTube channel where she complained bitterly about quitting music due to lack of funds.
In the video titled ‘Music is not for me’, the artiste said her latest album, ‘Red Velvet’ which she thinks is one of the best that has come out of Nigeria, has been largely ignored.
Waje explained how difficult it has become to promote her projects. She said: I’m frustrated, I am really tired. I no longer believe that this thing is working. I am respecting in this thing that we do but there is also bowing out when the applause is loudest,” she told members of her team whom she identified as Tolani and Fatima.
“I do not have faith in it anymore. Nobody will say that I have failed or anything. The point is that I am not willing to do this thing anymore. Do you know how much I have invested in this career thing?
“There is nothing wrong with change. There are other things I am good at; maybe it is fair to give it a rest and try other things. If you people do not understand, it is my money that I am spending in this thing and I am tired of putting my money in something that I do not have faith in.
“To be honest, I don’t see why I should continue because it is frustrating. The desire of every entrepreneur is to see proceeds from what they invest in and some sort of awareness that they have a product.
“I can’t have released an album after everybody said Waje, your last album was years ago. All the people that said we need an album, where are they?”
Speaking further, the 38-year-old said she has lost the excitement of having a music career although she still loves making music.
“I don’t have the money for publicity. My music has been taking the bulk of the money and I am not willing to put money there anymore. I don’t want to be in the class of artistes that have failed. I just think that I have gotten to the point where I don’t think it is working for me anymore.”
In 2007, Waje launched her music career. She was still a student at the time and paid her dues by doing lots of free shows and gigs. In 2008, she featured in the P-Square hit track titled “Do Me”. This track was widely known across Africa and some parts of Europe.
She was a judge for ‘The Voice Nigeria’, a talent show, alongside Timi Dakolo, Patoranking and 2Baba in 2016. Her album, Red Velvet, was released in December 2018.
She recently started a media company with her friend and industry mate, Omawumi, and they just released their first film titled ‘She Is’. They both featured in the movie. Waje headlined the song ‘Strong girl’ which is the theme song for ONE Campaign’s ‘Poverty is Sexist’ in 2015 and also joined Bono in Lagos, Nigeria for the Lagos campaign in 2015.
The video has stirred heartfelt reactions on social media, with many fans pleading with organisations and entertainment platforms to collaborate with the singer.
Watch the video below
