Nigerian vocal powerhouse Waje has revealed a hard truth about her early music career—she once thought her incredible voice alone would be enough to guarantee success. Speaking at the Creative Blueprint Masterclass hosted by Funke Akindele, the singer shared how experience taught her that talent without business acumen is a risky bet in the ever-evolving music industry.
“When I started as a musician, I absolutely thought my voice was enough,” Waje admitted. “But experience showed me that there’s so much more to the industry. Your music is your product, and your audience is your market. If you don’t approach it as a business, you’re leaving money and opportunities on the table.”
She stressed the importance of adaptability, explaining that today’s music landscape demands more than just raw talent. “The world has changed, and so has the way people consume music. If you’re not building a brand and engaging your audience, you might get left behind.”
Beyond the fame and passion, Waje urged artists to think about financial sustainability. “Music is great, but how sustainable is it? You need to be a smart creative—investing in other fields and securing your future.”
Her insights served as a wake-up call for aspiring artists, reinforcing that success in the music industry requires not just talent, but strategy, branding, and a keen business mindset.
