Singer Waje opens up on teenage pregnancy, single motherhood experience

Nigerian musical artist Aituaje Iruobe, better known as Waje, has shared that she became pregnant when she was 16 years old, and that raising her child was difficult as the father denied being the parent.

She made this revelation during a conversation on the Honest Brunch podcast, which was released on Monday.

She mentioned that she did not tell her mother about her pregnancy until she had reached approximately five months.

Waje recounted that when her mother visited the family of the man involved, he denied any involvement.

She stated, “My mom approached his family and mentioned, well, your son and my daughter... and he responded, no, it’s not me.”

Waje further explained that her mother ultimately assumed complete responsibility, highlighting that according to Igbo traditions, a child born outside of marriage is automatically taken in by the woman's family.

Waje noted that years later, the father returned, insisting that the child should be introduced to him.

She said, “At a certain time, he came back saying, I was young… I wish to meet my daughter.”

She mentioned that he claimed to be residing in Canada at that moment.

Initially, Waje was hesitant because she was concerned about the man’s reliability and stability.

She explained, “Often when a parent is trying to shield their child, it’s because they know the person might not be stable. This person could disrupt the child's life.”

Additionally, she stated that she set clear expectations regarding her daughter’s future, particularly in terms of her education.

Waje expressed, “I have always maintained that my daughter should receive the best education I can provide. Hence, I told him, you are a citizen, advocate for your child.”

She revealed that their conversations eventually turned to the idea of conducting a DNA test, but the man did not pursue it.

She remarked, “He requested that I send him some of her hair. I refused, saying that is not how things should proceed. We will select the location. I waited and waited, but I never heard from him.”

She also mentioned that the lengthy wait hindered immigration options.

Waje noted, “She reached the age of 18, and you cannot file for a child at that age.”

According to Waje, she ultimately enrolled her daughter at Middlesex University and paid tuition in dollars to secure the education she had always desired for her.

Punch Ng