Queen Salawa Abeni Alidu, born on May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, is one of the most iconic voices in Nigerian traditional music. Hailing from Ijebu Waterside in Ogun State, she rose from a modest background to become the celebrated Queen of Waka Music, carrying Yoruba cultural heritage across generations.

Early Life and Education

Abeni grew up in a polygamous household under difficult circumstances. Her mother struggled with prolonged illness, which meant Salawa had limited maternal guidance during her childhood. Her father, reflecting the beliefs of his time, did not prioritize female education, and as a result, she stopped schooling at the elementary level, around primary six.

As a child, she was sent to live with a guardian and even worked briefly as a housemaid. Despite these struggles, her love for music grew, and by her teenage years, she was already honing her craft in Yoruba traditional chants that would eventually transform into Waka music.

Family

Salawa Abeni has children from two notable relationships:

With Lateef Adepoju: She had her first son, Idris Olanrewaju Adefolajuwon Akanji Adepoju, who sadly died in a road accident on October 2, 2000.

With Alhaji Kollington Ayinla: A prominent Fuji musician and one of Nigeria’s music legends, Kollington fathered three children with Salawa Abeni, including her daughter Aminat Okikiola Ilori and her son popularly known as Big Sheff, who is also making waves in the Nigerian music industry.

Although her relationship with Kollington Ayinla ended, it marked a significant chapter in her personal and musical journey.

Career

Salawa Abeni’s career took off in 1976, when she released her debut album, Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, under Leader Records. The record became the first Yoruba female album to sell over one million copies in Nigeria, a groundbreaking feat that cemented her status as a pioneer.

Her music combined Yoruba cultural traditions and Islamic influences, characterized by deep percussive rhythms and powerful vocal improvisations. Over the decades, she released numerous albums, each reinforcing her place in Nigeria’s musical landscape.

In 1992, her cultural contributions were formally recognized when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, crowned her the official “Queen of Waka Music.” This title remains synonymous with her name.

Age and Current Status

Born in 1961, Queen Salawa Abeni is 64 years old as of 2025. Despite health challenges and personal losses, she remains alive and continues to be active in the Nigerian entertainment space, performing occasionally and engaging with fans through the media.

Legacy

Queen Salawa Abeni’s life story is one of resilience, talent, and cultural pride. From working as a maid to becoming a household name across Nigeria, she broke barriers for women in traditional music. Her groundbreaking record sales, royal title, and trailblazing career have paved the way for other female musicians in a male-dominated industry.

More than a performer, she is a cultural ambassador whose music reflects Yoruba spirituality, identity, and tradition. Her perseverance in the face of adversity continues to inspire younger generations, making her not just a musician but a living symbol of determination and heritage.

Sources
FabWoman.ng — 13 Things to Know About Salawa Abeni
Heritage News Nigeria — Queen Salawa Abeni: The Housemaid Who Modernized Waka Music

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Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, was a beloved Nigerian actor and comedian who left a memorable mark in the Yoruba film industry. Known for his quick wit, distinctive comic style, and sharp-tongued roles, he brought joy and laughter to audiences through films and online skits that resonated across generations.

Early Life and Education

Sisi Quadri was born in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. While details about his early education are not widely documented, his Yoruba upbringing in Iwo strongly shaped his cultural identity. This background later influenced his acting style, his comedic delivery, and his connection with grassroots audiences.

Career

Sisi Quadri rose to prominence in the Yoruba Nollywood scene, where he became known for playing flamboyant, humorous, and often insult-driven characters. His breakthrough performance in the Yoruba epic Seniyan Seranko earned him recognition for his sharp dialogue and unique comedic brilliance.

Beyond films, he also embraced the digital era by featuring in online skits, where his expressive style and mastery of Yoruba humor made him a favorite among younger audiences. His ability to balance traditional Yoruba film acting with contemporary comedy culture ensured his relevance across different entertainment platforms.

Personal Life

Though widely celebrated on screen, Sisi Quadri lived a relatively private personal life. He remained deeply connected to his hometown of Iwo and was known for his strong ties to family and community. His humility off-screen contrasted with the bold, comedic personas he portrayed in movies and skits.

Death and Burial

Sisi Quadri passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 44. Reports stated he died after a brief illness, though the exact cause was not publicly confirmed. He was buried in his hometown of Iwo, Osun State, in line with local traditions and family wishes. His passing drew widespread mourning across Nigeria’s entertainment community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and cultural stakeholders.

Legacy

Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji is remembered as one of Yoruba Nollywood’s standout comic actors. His trademark ability to deliver humor through satire and exaggeration made him a household name. Importantly, he also bridged the gap between traditional Yoruba cinema and modern online comedy, inspiring younger comedians who now blend stage performance with viral skits.

His performances continue to circulate widely on digital platforms, ensuring his comedic spirit lives on. For many, Sisi Quadri remains a symbol of Yoruba comic excellence and a reminder of the enduring power of humor in Nigerian storytelling.

Sources

Pulse Nigeria – Yoruba comic actor Sisi Quadri dies at 44

The Nation – Sisi Quadri: Yoruba actor passes on

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Kunle Adetokunbo, widely known by his stage name Dejo Tunfulu, was one of Nigeria’s most beloved Yoruba actors and comedians. Renowned for his witty performances and ability to capture the humor of everyday life, he carved a special place in Nollywood’s Yoruba film industry. His death on April 1, 2022, at the age of forty nine, left fans and colleagues in deep shock.

Early Life and Education

Kunle Adetokunbo was born on May 31, 1972, in Idumota on Lagos Island, Lagos State. He attended Ansar Ud Deen Primary School in Lagos for his basic education and later studied at Dolphin High School in Ebute Metta. Afterward, he trained in printing at the Modern Way Nigeria School of Printing in Lagos, developing a professional skill alongside his passion for drama and comedy.

Career and Rise to Fame

Dejo Tunfulu began acting in the late 1980s, starting with local theatre groups in Lagos. His breakthrough came when he joined the Akuko Gagara Theatre Group and appeared in television productions such as Apere Ijongbon.

The nickname “Dejo Tunfulu” originated from his role as a stammerer in stage plays, a comic portrayal that resonated strongly with audiences. Over time, the name became his enduring stage identity.

He went on to feature in numerous Yoruba films including Hally The Drummer, Ito, Won Tun Ro, and Ejide. His characters often combined humor, mischief, and satire, earning him recognition as one of the Yoruba film industry’s finest comic actors. Beyond traditional films, his style also inspired modern skit makers and comedians who saw him as a bridge between stage comedy and Nollywood screen acting.

Personal Life

Dejo Tunfulu was married and had children, though he kept his family life largely private. Colleagues described him as a devoted family man and a cheerful presence on set. Reports indicated that he lost his first wife years before his own passing, a personal tragedy that deeply affected him.

Illness and Death

In the period leading up to his death, Dejo Tunfulu was reported to have battled kidney related illness. Despite efforts to manage his condition, he passed away on April 1, 2022, at the age of forty nine. His death was confirmed by fellow actors and filmmakers on social media, and tributes poured in across the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Legacy

Dejo Tunfulu left an indelible mark on Yoruba Nollywood. His unique comic style drew from the rhythms of Lagos street life and everyday Yoruba expressions, blending them into performances that were both authentic and entertaining. Younger actors and comedians continue to cite him as an influence, ensuring that his craft and creativity remain part of the Yoruba comic tradition.

His passing created a significant void in Nollywood comedy, yet his films and performances continue to remind audiences of his gift for evoking laughter. For many, his name remains synonymous with joy and lighthearted entertainment.

Sources

Punch Nigeria – Actor Dejo Tunfulu dies at 49
Vanguard Nigeria – Yoruba actor Dejo Tunfulu passes on
PM News Nigeria – Tributes pour in for Yoruba comic actor Dejo Tunfulu

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