What Went Down At Waje’s Sophomore Album “Red Velvet” Intimate Listening Party
On Friday, November 30 2018, award-winning Nigerian songstress, actress and activist, Waje made a significant impression following up her recent candid interview on depression. The soul diva invited few musicians, journalists, and influencers out to Lekki, a bustling city in Lagos metropolis to hear the debut of her sophomore album, Red Velvet.
Hosted by radio/TV personality IK Osiakioduwa and comedic genius Bovi, here’s everything that went down at the private listening party of Waje’s most personal project yet.
BASICALLY, EVERYONE WAS THERE
Think of a contemporary, Afro-soul artist — they were probably at the Civic Centre last night. Yemi Alade, Niniola, Chidinma, Banky W and Chike Ekpeazu were all there. Omawumi was (obviously) there. Nollywood stars, Shaffy Bello, Lala Akindoju & Chigurl got an invite, as did style icons Mai Atafo, Ini Dima-Okojie and Mimi Onalaja.
The long-awaited project features only two artists: Adekunle Gold and Johnny Drille. The wait for this album was worth it with Johnny taking credits for the writing and production of five tracks.
THERE WAS AN EXHIBITION
Because Waje is art. Whether you’re thinking about the fabric or the cake, Waje flaunted her artistic elements in an ethereal photo exhibition that lit up the evening. Shot by the gifted Lakin Ogunbanwo, the pieces were displayed with little notes which Waje further shared how their inspiration was interwoven with each song. Waje also showed a documentary, after which she spoke on how music impacted her life from adolescence to adulthood.
THERE WAS ALSO AN AUCTION
Did I say the exhibition was auctioned? Well, amidst sarcasm and laughter, Bovi and IK Osakioduwa conducted and sold out the art pieces that would be going into a charity foundation for homeless children. Omawumi and Yemi Alade were part of the people who contributed to the cause.
BOVI STUNNED EVERYONE WITH A BEAUTIFUL SPEECH
We rarely see Bovi on his serious side. Jokes aside, the comedic genius got the audience cheering with an empowering speech that encouraged women to adore, love and protect themselves during the Q&A session. One thing was also very clear that Bovi is a proud feminist ally.
THE ALBUM’S TOPICAL LYRICS COVER #FRIENDZONING AND SELF LOVE
In Truth, the first track on the album, Waje sings about the art of friendzoning. She also sings her face off before addressing her victory over challenges faced in the entertainment industry saying, ‘Soldier come, soldier go but the barracks no dey empty’ / See I’m the product of a soldier.”
As a warm-up to the big day, Waje released the audio and lyric video for one of the tracks ‘Oh My’, which was produced by Johnny Drille. It is a wistful song that tells the story of a woman who wants more out of a relationship. Although it is quite an emotional song, Waje’s voice and the lyric video, edited by Alvin Ogbonna, give a lighthearted feel to the story.
