W.A.J.E (an acronym for Words Aren't Just Enough) is the eponymous debut studio album by Nigerian singer Waje. It was released on 1 May 2013 through Waje Musik Entertainment, and features guest appearances from M.I, Tiwa Savage, J. Martins, Sarkodie, Eva, Phyno, and Burna Boy. Production was handled by Del B, Spellz, E Kelly, Sizzle Pro, Cobhams Asuquo, J. Martins, Pappi J, LeriQ, and M.I.[1] It was supported by the singles "Oko Mi", "I Wish", "Na the Way (Remix)", "Onye", and "No Be You".
Background
Before the release of W.A.J.E, Nigerian singer Waje gained recognition through key collaborations and singles that established her as a rising talent in the industry. Her career began in 2007 with "Bobo Mi", a remix of P-Square's "Omoge Mi", which led to her featuring on the duo's popular track "Do Me". While signed to her former record label Dome Records, Waje released singles like "Somewhere" and "Kolo", which helped build her profile but did not result in a full-length project. After parting ways with the label, she began working independently, culminating in the production of W.A.J.E.[2][3]
In an interview with The NET, Waje revealed that she worked with Cobhams Asuquo, eLDee, M.I, and Tee-Y Mix and the album consisted of twelve songs and two bonus tracks, although this information may have been modified in time of the official release of the album.[4]
She revealed the release date of the album on 18 April 2013.[5] She revealed the artwork and tracklist on 27 April 2013.[6]
Singles
The album's lead single and second single were released simultaneously on 1 September 2012. Titled "Oko Mi" and "I Wish" respectively, "Oko Mi" was written and produced by Del B. The low-tempo reggae-influenced "I Wish", which had been previously leaked, was produced by Pappi J.[7] The third single off the album is the remix to one of Waje's previous singles, "Na the Way" featuring J. Martins. The remix features Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and J. Martins, along with production from J. Martins. It was released on 23 April 2013, and coincided with the unveiling of the album's tracklist.[8] The fourth single, "Onye", features fellow Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was produced by Spellz, and its release coincided with its music video which was directed by Kemi Adetiba.[9] The Cobhams Asuquo-produced fifth and final single "No Be You" was released on 2 October 2014 alongside its accompanying music video directed by Film Boy.[10]
W.A.J.E received positive reception from music critics. Ayomide Tayo of Nigerian Entertainment Today praised W.A.J.E as "a musical tour de force boasting of a strong voice and amazing songs," highlighting Waje’s versatility and ability to blend R&B with other genres like reggae, hip-hop, and electro-pop. The reviewer commended her vocal prowess, particularly on tracks like "No Be You", which they described as "her best vocal performance to date", and applauded the album's solid lyrics, polished production, and well-conceived themes. Tayo rated the album 4/5.[11] Wilfred Okiche of YNaija hailed W.A.J.E as "the year’s best album" (so far), praising its rich production, vocal versatility, and refusal to conform to a single genre. He highlighted standout tracks like "No Be You", which recalled the power of Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson, and "Grind" with Burna Boy, describing it as a "sweaty, sticky" ride. Okiche commended Waje for going the extra mile, asserting that with this debut, she "leaves her competition in the dust".[12] Ogaga Sakpaide of tooXclusive praised W.A.J.E as a revolutionary debut that showcased Waje's versatility, blending genres like Afro-pop, R&B, jazz, and high-life. He highlighted songs like "No Be You" as her "best vocal performance to date" and "Higher" for its uplifting and personal lyrics. Though not perfect, the album was described as "worth every year of the wait" and rated 3.5/5.[1]
