Aja Metoyer is an American reality television personality, businesswoman and social media figure best known for her appearances on VH1’s Basketball Wives and for being the mother of NBA star Dwyane Wade’s son. Born on 24 July 1983 in Los Angeles, California, she rose to public attention long before she joined the cast of the hit reality show, thanks to her connection with Wade in 2013. Today, she is also recognised as the sister of fellow Basketball Wives star Melissa Metoyer, and their sibling bond has become a talking point among fans curious about the family behind the drama. This article explores who Aja Metoyer really is, her family background, her career, and the questions people most often ask about her.
Aja Metoyer: Quick Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aja Metoyer |
| Date of Birth | 24 July 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Category | Reality TV Personality, Businesswoman |
| Known For | Basketball Wives, mother of Dwyane Wade’s son |
| Education | Campbell High School; Clark Atlanta University; MBA, University of Phoenix |
| Siblings | Cristen Metoyer, Melissa Metoyer, and a brother |
| Children | One son (with Dwyane Wade), two daughters (with Damon Wayans Jr.) |
| Notable Relationships | Dwyane Wade, Damon Wayans Jr. |
| Interests | Fashion, body positivity advocacy, social justice |
Who Is Aja Metoyer?
Aja Metoyer is a Los Angeles-born reality television star, entrepreneur and social media personality who first entered the public eye as the mother of Dwyane Wade’s son, Xavier Zechariah Wade, born in 2013. She later became a household name in reality television circles after joining the sixth season of Basketball Wives in 2017, appearing alongside her two sisters, Cristen and Melissa Metoyer.
Beyond television, Aja has built a reputation as a businesswoman with an interest in fashion and lifestyle branding. She is also vocal on social media about body positivity and social justice causes, using her public platform to champion these issues rather than simply documenting her personal life.
Early Life and Family Background
Aja Metoyer was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, to her mother, Cynthia Metoyer. She grew up in a large family of Creole heritage, with three siblings reported across various sources: her sisters Cristen and Melissa, and a brother. She completed her secondary education at Campbell High School before continuing her studies at Clark Atlanta University, where she focused on business.
She later pursued further academic development, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. This educational background has supported her ventures outside of reality television, giving her a foundation in business that complements her media career.
Aja Metoyer and Her Sister Melissa Metoyer
Melissa Metoyer is Aja’s younger sister and became known in her own right after joining Basketball Wives LA at Aja’s invitation. Melissa has explained in interviews that Aja asked her to join the show, which is how she became part of the cast alongside her sisters.
The Metoyer sisters, Aja, Cristen and Melissa, were introduced to viewers as a family unit, and their relationships, including moments of tension between Aja and Cristen, became a notable storyline on the show. Melissa has spoken publicly about not harbouring jealousy towards either of her sisters, despite the on-screen drama that unfolded between Aja and Cristen during filming.
Aja Metoyer’s Career on Basketball Wives
Aja joined Basketball Wives in its sixth season, which aired on VH1 from April to August 2017. The series follows the lives of women connected to professional basketball players and is known for its blend of friendship, business ventures and interpersonal conflict.
Her appearance on the show brought her into contact with established cast members such as Shaunie O’Neal and Evelyn Lozada. Aja’s storyline was shaped significantly by her family ties, with the sisterly dynamic between herself, Cristen and Melissa forming a central part of her narrative arc on the programme.
Relationship With Dwyane Wade
Aja Metoyer became widely known to the public in 2013 after she gave birth to a son, Xavier Zechariah Wade, whose father is retired NBA star Dwyane Wade. This news attracted considerable media attention at the time, as Wade was in a relationship with actress Gabrielle Union.
The situation placed Aja in the media spotlight well before her reality television debut, and it remains one of the most searched aspects of her biography. Despite the public scrutiny, Aja has continued to prioritise her role as a mother and has spoken about the importance of family throughout her media appearances.
Children and Personal Life
Aja Metoyer is a mother of three children. In addition to her son Xavier with Dwyane Wade, she shares two daughters with actor and comedian Damon Wayans Jr., her former partner. Reports on the daughters’ names vary slightly between sources, though they are most commonly cited as Amara and Aniya.
Her relationship with Damon Wayans Jr. ended some years ago, and Wayans Jr. later married Samara Saraiva. Aja has since focused publicly on her children and her career, regularly sharing glimpses of her family life with her social media following.
Career and Business Ventures
Outside of television, Aja Metoyer has developed interests in fashion and lifestyle branding, and she is often described as a businesswoman as well as a media personality. Her academic background in business administration supports these entrepreneurial pursuits.
She also uses her platform to advocate for causes such as body positivity and social justice, positioning herself as more than simply a reality television figure. This combination of business acumen and advocacy has helped her maintain relevance beyond her original rise to fame.
Conclusion
Aja Metoyer’s story is one shaped by family, public attention and personal reinvention. From her early recognition as the mother of Dwyane Wade’s son to her role on Basketball Wives alongside her sisters Cristen and Melissa, she has built a public profile that extends into business and advocacy. Her bond with her sister Melissa Metoyer remains a key part of her public narrative, illustrating how family ties have shaped both women’s journeys in the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aja Metoyer?
Aja Metoyer is an American reality television star, businesswoman and social media personality known for appearing on Basketball Wives and for being the mother of Dwyane Wade’s son, Xavier.
Is Melissa Metoyer related to Aja Metoyer?
Yes, Melissa Metoyer is Aja’s younger sister. She joined Basketball Wives LA after Aja invited her to be part of the cast.
Does Aja Metoyer have children with Dwyane Wade?
Yes, Aja Metoyer is the mother of Dwyane Wade’s son, Xavier Zechariah Wade, born in 2013.
How many siblings does Aja Metoyer have?
Aja Metoyer has two sisters, Cristen and Melissa, as well as a brother, making her part of a close-knit family of four siblings.
What is Aja Metoyer known for besides reality TV?
Beyond television, Aja Metoyer is known for her business interests, particularly in fashion, and for her advocacy work around body positivity and social justice causes.
