Excitement as Waje, Ric Hassani spark wedding rumours

Singers Aituaje Iruobe, professionally known as Waje, and Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu better known as Ric Hassani have sparked off what seem like a wedding rumour, after the Cocoa Baby singer, on Tuesday, posted a loved-up photo of herself and Ric Hassani on the social space with a love-struck emoji.

Taking to Instagram and with the simple caption, “It’s time”, on her handle @officialwaje, the singer finally let the cat out of the bag on what many considered her relationship status, as there has been speculations that the duo are dating.

The declaration of love had fans and fellow industry friends who are overjoyed take to the comment section to shower them with congratulatory messages. However, some Netizens believe the duo is set to release a song together.

Leading the pack was her best friend and fellow songstress, Omawumi Magbele, who shared the picture on the social platform with a caption that gave people the impression that the duo are set to tie the nuptial knot.

“Besto Asoebi wedding loading ehhhhh! Congratulations guys @officialwaje. Heyyy Jisox! Can I dance with my fowl to the altar?” the MTN Y’ello Star judge wrote via her Instagram handle @omawonder.

Also reacting to the post via her handle @toyin_abraham, Alakada actress, Toyin Abraham wrote: “@officialwaje @omawonder how do we get our aso-ebi. So we can start sewing mad style.”

Taking to the social platform to congratulate the singer turned activist, actress Mercy Johnson Okojie wrote via her handle @mercyjohnsonokojie: “Bridal train loading. Congratulations awesome waje.”

“Awwww finally it’s here”, actress Juliet Ibrahim wrote via her handle @Julietibrahim. Congratulating the singer-actress, who featured in the recently released movie, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, actress and wife of music superstar, Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2baba or Tuface Idbia, Annie via her handle @annieidibia1 wrote: “Yayyyyy I am breaking dancing here ooo.”

Waje, 40, is the single mother of a 21-year daughter, Emerald. She studied Social Work at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and worked part-time in the tourism industry. In 2007, she launched her music career while she was still a student at the time and paid her dues by doing many free shows and gigs. Her vocal range covers three octaves.

In 2008, she featured in the defunct P-Square hit track titled Do Me, which received critical acceptance across Africa and some parts of Europe. She participated in Advanced Warning (a reality TV show which featured artistes that are on the verge of a breakthrough). The reality show was organised by MTV Base South Africa and Zain Nigeria (now Airtel), where she was the runner up.

Waje has shared the stage with music global heavyweights artistes such as Wyclef Jean in South Africa, opening for Kerry Hilson during a show organised in Calabar, and has also worked with M.I on the hit single, One Naira.

She collaborated with Dencia on True Love and has songs that have received awards and nominations. She released her self-titled debut studio album in 2013. Prior to the album release, blogger Noble Igwe had in 2010, through his 360nobs.com, did a special spotlight on Waje with the emphasis on ‘Words Aren’t Just Enough… I’m Speechless’

Waje made her acting debut in the 2014 film Tunnel, alongside Femi Jacobs, Patrick Doyle, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Lepacious Bose. Directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare, the film is centered on a young pastor’s life. In August 2015, she released the single Left for Good, featuring Patoranking and Godwin Strings.

She was featured on Strong Girl, the theme song for One’s Poverty is Sexist campaign, and also joined Bono for the Lagos campaign in 2015. She was announced as one of the judges on The Voice Nigeria, alongside 2face Idibia, Timi Dakolo and Patoranking.

In January 2019, Waje alongside her bestie, Omawumi launched Hermanes Media, a media company that specialises in film and TV production, adverts, content curation, brand event activation, and creative digital marketing.

According to the duo, they founded the production company in order to create solutions and provide innovative and creative ideas for the industry.

In March 2019, Waje revealed her intentions to quit music professionally, and stressed that she was considering quitting because of the lack of support towards her music. In April the same year, she was featured in the Somkele Idhalama-produced movie She Is. She worked with Omawumi to record the movie’s soundtrack.

Ten years after, precisely December 2019, Waje teamed up with rap artiste, Zoro, to release a single titled Ngwa. The record is a ballad styled song produced by Philkeyz with lyrics in Igbo language. The song followed Waje’s earlier released single called Udue, which featured Mavin Records artiste Johnny Drille.

Ric Hassani, 32, is a graduate from Covenant University, Ota. He also attended the University of Surrey, where he earned a master’s degree in energy economics. He made his debut into the music industry in 2016with the album, The African Gentleman.

In December 2020, he delivered a heartfelt Christmas record entitled I’ll give you love this Christmas. With the latest development, many say the inspiration for the ballad is clear. His dress style is believed to have been influenced by his self-acclaimed stance as a gentleman.