Nigerian singer and powerhouse vocalist, Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, has finally addressed long-standing rumours that she once dated veteran rapper M.I Abaga.
The speculation, which dates back over a decade, began after the pair’s undeniable chemistry on their hit collaboration “One Naira” convinced fans that their connection extended beyond the studio. The song, a soulful love ballad that became a staple in Nigerian R&B, portrayed the two as lovers deeply in sync, both lyrically and emotionally.
However, in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast hosted by Daddy Freeze, Waje firmly put the rumours to rest. She clarified that their relationship was purely professional and rooted in mutual respect for each other’s artistry.
“Because of the rollout and romantic theme of One Naira, a lot of people assumed M.I and I were dating,” Waje explained. “But we never did. We were just two creatives who knew how to tell a beautiful love story through music. We built characters to make the song come alive, that’s all.”
She also revealed an interesting twist that M.I’s then-girlfriend, not her, was the voice behind the famous spoken-word outro of the track. “His girlfriend at the time actually did the voice-over, not me,” she added with a laugh.
Reflecting on her personal life, the 45-year-old singer said she is currently single and more intentional about the kind of man she would consider dating.
“At this point in my life, I can’t date an unsuccessful man. I’m not in my 20s anymore, I don’t have time to build a man from scratch. I want someone who already knows where he’s going,” she stated frankly.
Waje’s revelation has since stirred reactions online, with fans revisiting her classic collaborations with M.I, including “One Naira” and “Do Me (Remix)”, while praising her honesty and timeless vocal prowess.
Despite the gossip, both Waje and M.I remain highly respected figures in Nigeria’s music industry remembered for their artistry, lyrical depth, and contribution to shaping the golden era of Nigerian pop and hip-hop.
