Salawa Abeni: My Life, My Music, My Story

QUEEN of Waka Music, Salawa Abeni Alidu, born May 5, 1961, is a celebrated Nigerian singer from Ijebu Waterside, Ogun State. She launched her professional Waka music career as a teenager

in 1976 with her debut album, “The Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed,” on Leader Records. This album achieved remarkable success, becoming the first by a female Yoruba artiste to sell over a million copies in Nigeria.

In a recent interview with Saturday Sun, Salawa Abeni shares the story be- hind her journey to becoming the Waka Queen.

How many albums have you released?

I have over 40 albums. My first album, released in 1976, was a tribute to the late Murtala Mohammed. I’ve worked with various record labels, including Leader Records (15 albums), Kolington Records (eight to 10 albums), and Tawakalitu Records ( five albums). My upcoming album, set to be released soon, captures the mood of the younger generation.

Can you tell us about your early days as a musician?

I started my career at nine and re-leased my first album at 13. It wasn’t easy, especially as a woman. I had to be determined and strong-minded. I received support from my guardian and a primary school teacher, Mr. Shobowale.

How did your parents react to your passion for music?

It was a challenge, especially with my dad, Khalif Ajise ni. He opposed my decision, often saying “Orin soroo ko” (meaning that music or singing is such a tough and dangerous job), in his Ijebu accent.

He’s always saying he can’t start going fetish because his daughter wants to sing. He tried to dissuade me from pursuing music, but I remained commit- ted to my craft.

We’ve heard that musicians often use juju to gain relevance in the industry. Did you resort to it during your long career?

I don’t believe in idolatry or using strange objects for worship.
My faith is in God, and I’ve always been devoted. While some might have engaged in such practices, I’ve never resorted to harmful juju. My ‘medicine’ is prayer, seeking divine guidance and provision. I’ve done prayers, what we call “Aajo,” seeking divine provision and guidance.

Can you tell us about your children?

My children, including Deola and Sikiru, are all singers, but Big Sheriff has taken his passion to the next level. I encouraged him to pursue music after completing his university education.

What lessons has life taught you?

Life has taught me many valuable lessons that there won’t be enough space to publish it in your newspaper. I’ve faced challenges, including having a child at 17 who passed away, and being sick for five years. But I’ve learned to persevere. As a musician, I was sick, almost paralysed for five years and now I can walk.

What I did not do, they said Ididitin Alhaji Kollington Ayinla’s house. I didn’t want to say anything about what Alhaji Kollington said about me on social media recently. There’s no comment in that area.

How did you meet Kollington Ayinla?

I met him as a young girl at an occasion. He approached me and it’s God’s wish we will have children together as a couple.

I started having children for him in my late 20s. I’m not the first or the last wife of his, in fact, I don’t think I got any position as a wife in his house. He said I owed him a child and I gave him the child.

You’ve been separated for years, but recently he claimed you’re still his wife. What do you have to say about that?

You’re 64 and still looking so young. What’s the secret of that young looks?

I follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly on my treadmill, and I don’t drink or smoke. On stage, I might have a coke, but otherwise, I stick to water.

You’re known for standing while singing. Your predecessors in Waka music were known for sitting while singing. Was that a deliberate choice?

Yes, I started singing Waka standing because I was young and my microphone back then contributed to my standing to sing. I’m often credited as the pioneer of standing while singing Waka.

Can you tell us about your upbringing?

I was sent to live with Mr and Mrs Otun as a house help when I was young. That was at Igbogun in Epe, Lagos. My teacher, Mr Shobowale, encouraged my passion for music, and my guardian supported me. I started my music career in their house.

Did your parents struggle financially?

Yes, my family faced financial challenges. My mum was sick for 15 years, and my dad was a sherman. I lived with my guardian for seven years.