“I Can’t Marry Someone Who Is Not Successful” — Waje Sparks Reactions With Candid Take on Love and Finances

Nigerian singer Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, has set social media abuzz after making a bold declaration about her standards for love and marriage. The award-winning vocalist, known for her powerful voice and soulful lyrics, has once again proven that she is not afraid to speak her truth. In a candid statement that has since gone viral, Waje stated, “I can’t marry someone who is not successful. I’m not in my twenties, so we are not growing together.” The comment immediately ignited widespread debate across social media platforms, with fans and critics divided over her views on love, success, and partnership.

Waje, who has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry for over a decade, made the remark during a recent interview where she was asked about her views on relationships, love, and what she looks for in a potential partner. The singer explained that her perspective comes from experience and maturity, emphasizing that at this stage of her life, she desires stability and emotional security — qualities she believes come from a man who has achieved a level of success and self-awareness. “I’ve done my share of building and growing,” she said. “At this point, I need someone who has built something for himself, someone who understands what it means to have a stable life. I’m not in my twenties anymore, so we are not growing together. I want a man who has already grown.”

The statement has since sparked a wave of discussions, with many Nigerians sharing mixed reactions online. Some fans applauded Waje for her honesty, arguing that there’s nothing wrong with having standards, especially for a woman who has worked hard to build her career and reputation. Others, however, criticized her remarks, interpreting them as materialistic or elitist, suggesting that her words imply that love should be measured by financial or social status rather than emotional connection or compatibility.

On X (formerly Twitter), the topic quickly became a trending conversation, with fans dissecting her statement line by line. One user wrote, “Waje is right. At her age and with her experience, it’s only fair that she wants a partner who matches her energy and success level. You can’t expect her to start building with someone from scratch.” Another user, however, disagreed, tweeting, “Love is about understanding and growth, not about money or success. Many successful people are lonely because they prioritize achievements over genuine connection.”

Waje, who turned 44 this year, is no stranger to public scrutiny when it comes to her personal life. Known for being private yet expressive, she has previously opened up about the struggles of balancing her career, motherhood, and relationships. The singer has a teenage daughter, Emerald, whom she had at a young age, and has often spoken about how being a single mother shaped her views on love and responsibility. In one of her earlier interviews, she admitted that her focus for many years was solely on her daughter and career, leaving little room for romantic relationships. But now, with her daughter grown and her career firmly established, she says she’s ready for love — but only the kind that matches her energy and stage in life.

In recent years, Waje has also been vocal about the realities faced by women in the entertainment industry — the double standards, the pressures of fame, and the challenges of finding genuine love in a world where many men are intimidated by successful women. Her latest statement seems to echo that sentiment. By emphasizing the need for a successful partner, Waje appears to be asserting her right to want a relationship that complements her achievements, not one that demands she compromise them.

Interestingly, her statement also sheds light on a broader societal conversation about the evolving dynamics between love and financial stability. In a country like Nigeria, where economic hardship continues to shape people’s priorities, more men and women are openly discussing the role money plays in relationships. While older generations might have frowned upon such frankness, today’s adults — especially those in their 30s and 40s — often see financial compatibility as an essential ingredient for long-term happiness. For Waje, that simply means refusing to settle for less than what she has worked hard to earn.

Her fans have defended her stance, pointing out that men have long been celebrated for choosing partners based on specific criteria, including beauty and youth, without facing backlash. They argue that women, especially successful ones, should also have the right to set their standards without being labeled as “gold diggers” or “too demanding.” One fan on Instagram commented, “If a man says he wants a woman who is successful, independent, and smart, everyone applauds him. But when a woman says she wants the same, it suddenly becomes a problem. Double standards everywhere.”

Still, not everyone agrees with her reasoning. Some critics argue that measuring success only in financial terms can be misleading. A few commenters suggested that Waje’s definition of success might alienate men who are hardworking but still building their careers or recovering from financial setbacks. “There are people who may not be rich yet but are emotionally mature, responsible, and supportive,” one Facebook user wrote. “Those qualities matter too.”

Despite the controversy, Waje’s statement has undeniably struck a chord with many people who see themselves in her story. As a woman who rose from humble beginnings — from singing in church choirs in Benin City to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected vocalists — she represents resilience and growth. Her career, which has spanned more than a decade, includes hit songs like “I Wish”, “Ominiknowest”, and her collaborations with heavyweights like MI, P-Square, and Banky W. Over the years, she has also reinvented herself as a vocal coach, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s empowerment, proving that her success extends far beyond the stage.

For some observers, Waje’s declaration isn’t just about romance — it’s a reflection of self-worth and maturity. At a time when many people still expect women to “build” with men regardless of their circumstances, her words serve as a reminder that it’s okay to know what you want and refuse to settle. In a world where relationships often crumble under financial strain or mismatched ambitions, she argues that compatibility must go beyond emotions — it must include shared vision, stability, and mutual success.

As the online conversation continues to grow, Waje herself seems unfazed by the criticism. Those close to her say she has always been straightforward and intentional about her life choices. For her, this latest statement is not a rejection of love but a declaration of standards — a reflection of a woman who has worked hard, lived through enough lessons, and now understands the kind of energy she deserves.

Whether people agree or not, Waje’s words have once again proven her ability to spark important conversations about love, independence, and what it truly means to find balance between emotional and financial fulfillment. In a society where women are often told to lower their expectations, Waje’s stance may just inspire more people — especially women — to raise theirs. And as she continues to make music and share her truth, one thing remains clear: Waje isn’t just singing about strength; she’s living it.