Alhaja Salawa Abeni (Waka Queen)

By: Abudu Olalekan

So. You wanna talk about a legend? A real one. Not just some flash-in-the-pan star. But a woman who changed the game. Forever. Her name? Alhaja Salawa Abeni. The Waka Queen. Yeah. That’s her. And if you don’t know, now you know.

Born May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos. But her roots? Deep in Ijebu Waterside, Ogun State. Grew up in a big, polygamous family. Life wasn’t easy. But hey. When you got a gift, you got a gift. She started singing early. Like, really early. At women’s gatherings. Social shindigs. Her voice? Pure magic. People noticed. They couldn’t ignore raw talent.

That’s when it all popped off. Dropped her debut album. Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. Under Leader Records. And boom. History made. First female Yoruba artist to sell over ONE MILLION copies. In Nigeria. Back then? That was huge. Unheard of. She smashed through the glass ceiling. Like it was nothing. Proved women could dominate. Big time.

But it’s not just the music. It’s the soul. The heart. In 1992? The Alaafin of Oyo himself. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Placed a crown on her head. “Queen of Waka Music.” Made it official. Because she didn’t just sing Waka. She revolutionized it. Made it modern. Popular. Gave it a spotlight. When others faded? She stayed.

Life? Oh, it threw curveballs. Health scares. Career breaks. But she’s a fighter. Resilient. Married a few times. Lateef. Then Kollington. Had kids. Including Big Sheff. Who’s also in the music biz. Recently? She tied the knot with Rasheed Agbolade Adahunse. Still standing. Still shining.

Today? She’s still here. Still relevant. Still dropping wisdom. Because legends don’t retire. They inspire. Her music? Timeless. Her story? Unmatched. She’s the blueprint. The original queen. And yeah. She’s got that record. First female artist in Nigeria to move a million units. But that’s just one chapter. In a story that’s still being written.

So here’s to Alhaja Salawa Abeni. The Waka Queen. Long may she reign.