Alhaja Salawa Abeni popularly called the ‘Waka Queen’, rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hit albums that blended Islamic praise, social commentary, and Yoruba rhythms.
Queen Salawa Abeni Alidu, born on May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos State, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential female musicians. Known as the ‘Queen of Waka Music,’ she has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s musical and cultural landscape through her unique voice, creativity, and pioneering spirit.
Salawa Abeni hails from Ijebu Waterside in Ogun State and grew up in a polygamous family. Her early years were modest and filled with challenges, but her love for music became evident at a young age. As a child, she often sang at social and women’s gatherings, where her talent quickly drew attention. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career in Nigerian music.
Her professional journey began in 1976, when she released her debut album titled Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed under Leader Records. The album was a massive success, becoming the first recording by a female Yoruba artist to sell over one million copies in Nigeria. This remarkable achievement not only established her as a musical force but also broke gender barriers in an industry that was largely dominated by men.
For a decade, Salawa Abeni worked under Leader Records alongside its owner, Lateef Adepoju. After parting ways with him in 1986, she continued her career with Kollington Ayinla, one of Nigeria’s leading Fuji musicians, whom she later married. The collaboration produced several successful albums and further expanded her influence across the country. Her music was not only entertaining but also deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition, Islamic chants, and social commentary, reflecting the realities of Nigerian life.
Over the years, Salawa Abeni released numerous hit songs and albums, including Gentle Lady, Indian Waka, Experience, Ile Aiye, and Omi Yale. Her songs are characterized by their rhythmic talking drums, poetic lyrics, and moral messages, often addressing issues such as love, respect, and societal values.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Nigerian music, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, crowned her the ‘Queen of Waka Music’ in 1992. This royal honor cemented her status as a trailblazer and cultural icon. Waka music, which predates both Fuji and Juju, owes much of its modernization and popularity to her artistry and innovation.
Beyond her music, Salawa Abeni’s personal life has often drawn public attention. She was once married to Lateef Adepoju, then later to Kollington Ayinla, with whom she had children, including Big Sheff, a musician in his own right. In more recent years, she revealed her marriage to Rasheed Agbolade Adahunse, highlighting her resilience and grace in both her personal and professional journeys.
Despite facing health challenges and temporary breaks in her career, Queen Salawa Abeni has remained active and relevant in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Her longevity and ability to adapt to changing times reflect her deep connection with her audience and her commitment to preserving Yoruba musical heritage.
In every sense, Salawa Abeni stands as a symbol of strength, talent, and tradition, a living legend whose melodies continue to echo through the corridors of Nigerian music history. Accroding to industry stakeholders, she was also the first female artiste to sell over one million copies of an album in Nigeria.