Celebrating the 65th birthday of Queen Salawa Abeni is honouring enduring talent and impact, including marking her decades of excellent, high-energy performances.
Born on May 5, 1961 in Ijebu Waterside, Ogun State, Nigeria, Queen Abeni rose from humble beginnings to become Nigeria’s legendary ‘Queen of Waka Music’. She debuted her first musical work in 1976 with an album under Leader Records in honour of the assassinated Nigerian military Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. The album was recorded as the firstal by a female Yoruba singer to sell over one million copies in Nigeria.
Queen Salawa Abeni’s musical works from age 13, undoubtedly, inspires, moves audiences, and shifts cultural landscapes. She has really proved her worth as a female super star in her ‘waka’ genre to successfully compete in a male-dominated music industry. Beyond music, Queen Salawa Abeni’s influence is equally recognized through appearances in Nollywood, acknowledging her cultural impact as a pioneer and trailblazer in her ‘waka’ genre and Nigerian music generally.
Research indicates that Queen Abeni is creative and original, with songs that connect with music audiences irrespective of choices. Queen Salawa Abeni, with over 40 albums, pioneered the style of standing while singing. Her predecessors in the ‘waka’ genre were known for sitting while singing. Though she confessed that the decision was not a deliberate choice. “I started singing Waka standing. Those singing before me were sitting while singing. But it was because I was young so small that my microphone back then was almost beyond reach,” she disclosed.
Queen Abeni had an inspiring story about her beginning as a singer, which highlights her challenges and passion. When she was nine years old, she walked into the Lagos branch of the Leader Records and requested to be allowed to play a demo tape. The producer, thinking it was a joke, put her tape on his desk and promptly forgot about it, only to be shocked later on hearing the nine year-old girl sing at a social function in Epe, Lagos, in the most sonorous, and compelling mature voice. Without further ado, with the permission of her parents, the recording label owner took her to his studio where she had her debut on late Murtala Muhammed, which became one of the bestselling Nigerian songs at the time.
In 1977, Abeni founded ‘The Waka Modernisers’ going on to become one of the most successful artistes in Nigeria in the 80s and remaining the leader of the genre till date.
Some of her evergreen hit albums and live plays include Gentle Lady, Iba Omode Iba Agba, Shooting Stars, Ijamba Motor, Okiki Kan To Sele/Yinka Esho Eso, Orin Tuntun, Irohin Mecca, Ile Aiye, Omiyale, Ija O Dara, Ikilo, Enie Tori Ele Ku, Challenge Cup ’84, Adieu Alhaji Haruna Ishola, Indian Waka, Ìfẹ́ Dára Púpọ̀, Mo Tun De Bi Mo Se Nde, Awa Lagba, Abode America, Ileya Special, I Love You, We Are The Children, Maradona, Candle, Experience, Congratulations, Cheer Up, Waka Carnival, Beware, Live In London ’96, Appreciation, Good Morning In America, and more.
How did her parents react to her passion for music at nine years old? She confessed that it was challenging. “It was not easy, especially with my father. He opposed my decision, often warning that making music a career was such a dangerous idea. He tried to dissuade me from pursuing music, but I remained committed to my belief,” she stated.
There is one thing most creative singers do seem to have in common; Their children are exposed or encouraged to take to their craft. Queen Salawa Abeni is not an exception. Her three children, Deola, Sikiru and Big Sheriff are also into music, with Big Sheriff taking his concept to the international standard.
The ‘Waka Queen’ has had her fair share of life and professional challenges. “Life has taught me many valuable lessons. 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,” she disclosed. At 65, she looks 45. What is the secret to her youthful looks? She says she follows a healthy diet, exercises regularly; doesn’t drink or smoke. And she takes just Coca Cola and water.
Queen Salawa Abeni, at 65, continues to be a significant figure in the Nigerian music scene. Her career and personal strength will continue to make her an enduring icon of resilience within and outside the Nigerian music industry.
