Connect with us

Lifestyle

Queen Salawa Abeni: The Life, Family, and Legacy of Waka Music’s Crowned Monarch

Published

2 months ago

on

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.

See also  Nigerian man rages over $140 bill for pounded yam, egusi abroad

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

See also  Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (1933–1997): A Pioneer of Modern Nigerian Medicine and Academia

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 220
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

Published

14 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

See also  Ajibike Ogunyemi: The Osogbo Sculptor Bridging Tradition and Modernity

“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

See also  Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 42
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

Published

18 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 41
See also  Akintunde Akinsehinwa: The Young Officer Who Died with Murtala Mohammed (November 11, 1944 – February 13, 1976)
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

Published

18 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 33
See also  PHOTOS: Professor Peller - The Enchanting Story of Nigeria's Most Famous Magician and how he got Assassinated in 1997
Continue Reading

Trending