Waje: Crushing on H_art band

Davido once said he does not schedule studio time, that his music happens spontaneously. Is that a Nigerian thing or just a creative ethic?

It would probably be (a Nigerian thing) because of the way we work sometimes. What defines you is your story and the things you have to do. Like the song that Patoranking and I did, Left For Good; we were in the studio and he just freestyled the chorus and I thought it was a good song.

By the time you pay about $125 (Sh12,000) for a four-hour studio session, you ought to have worked very hard to ensure everything is okay. At the end of the day, that’s what is in the mind because it is also a business and it has to bring in revenue. That’s how we learn to do things differently. 

The last time you were in Kenya you hadn’t shaved off the sides of your head. Is there some sort of style revolution going on?

First, I got tired of wigs because it’s always hot in Nigeria. Second, my wig fell off on stage one day and I didn’t want that to happen again. 

Did you pick it up or went on like nothing had happened?

I picked it up and I continued with the performance (laughs). It was the most embarrassing moment of my life because I was in the zone. I had really high energy, the drums were going frenetic... and my wig just flew off. Everybody started laughing but the good thing was that I had neat cornrows.

The video is all over the Internet. I don’t want that to happen again. I have been growing my hair since I was 15 and I was hoping by the time I got to 25 it would be longer. But it did not, so to keep it short and nice, I shaved it. 

Is there an evolution in your music as well? Are there certain things you look at and see growth?

Yes, definitely. My writing style and the message, what I want to say, is now more mature and I’m taking more risks. You would think I would take fewer risks now that I’m older but I want to do it my way — be more creative and artistic and to hold no boundaries. I’m curious to see where it will take me. 

Apart from Diamond, have you considered working with any other East African musician?

I have actually shown interest in working with H_art the Band because I really love them. The thing that struck me about them is their ability to take an inanimate object and put so much life into it, like in the song 'Uliza Kiatu'.

I remember the first time I heard it I was in a bus and I asked the driver, who had come to pick us up, who the artiste was and the meaning of the song. Then I just Googled them. I was so impressed. I follow them on all their social media platforms. I go crazy about them. I’m a huge fan. 

Is your sour song ‘Omi Knowest’ based on true events?

Yes. When I started my career, many people didn’t think I had commercial value because I wouldn’t do certain songs, not because I didn’t want to but because I couldn’t defend them. Every time I sampled my songs to people, somebody would tell me, “No, don’t do it like that, do it this way or that”. It was very frustrating.

I’ve grown older now, I’m turning 35 soon, and... gosh, I’m so old (laughs). I think that I’m in a space where the world has changed; women are more vocal, more into their jobs, and more into the value their jobs give them.

I have a family and I have a lot of experience after raising a child that I feel like, at this point, I would do no justice to myself if I am not as creative as possible. I want to listen to a song and say, ‘Oh yes, I did that song’. 

Who are the most powerful female musicians in Africa?

Every female musician is powerful in her own right. As long as she has a fanbase, don’t underestimate her. I love Lira because we are of the same school of thought. Omawumi is strong and has powerful vocals and strong music background. She understands what she wants and how she wants it.

Tiwa is someone I’m inspired by because her work ethic is beautiful. Yemi Alade’s spirit is also beautiful, as is that of Vanessa Mdee, Victoria Kimani... the list is endless. 

What keeps you coming back to Coke Studio. This is the third time you’re featuring, what value is it adding to your career?

It’s the beauty of live music and getting to play with different kinds of instruments which are not part of my culture. We get to meet many different artistes from Africa, so it’s like a meeting ground for cultural exchange. 

What are your thoughts on social media, especially when people use it to attack you?

Social media is an open space for people to say whatever they want to. I get that, so I don’t question it. But I use it for business, that’s it. 

The fashion sense in your videos is sassy and a bit risqué, but you are conservative in everyday life. Is there a connection to your personality?

I’m a musician and an artiste and the beauty of it is that I’m allowed to go to different worlds that I wouldn’t find myself in normally. I like to wear those characters and go to that mind-space where the music is taking me, and I’m able to interpret whatever sound or message there is, yet still remain Waje.

It’s important to be versatile; much as fashion and music are hobbies, you want to make money out of them as well and touch different demographics.