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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