Salawa Abeni

Salawa Abeni born May 5, 1961 into a polygamous home is a popular female Nigerian singer.

An indigene of Ijebu Waterside, a town in the southwestern state of Ogun, she began her sojourn into a professional career in Waka music (an Islamic-influenced traditional Yoruba music style, made popular by Batile Alake) when she released her debut album Late General Ramat Mohammed in 1976 under Leader records. This became the first recording by a female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria.

Abeni who formed her own group named Waka Modernisers, was with Leader Records till 1986 when she married Fuji legend, Kollington Ayinla and switched to his record label.

Although denied higher education by her father, Salawa was crowned “Queen of Waka Music” in 1992 by the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi and has continued to regale her fans with several unbeatable rhythms. She is one of the most successful artists in Nigeria.

 

List of Songs Released

Gentle Lady

Cheer Up

Equal Rights

Beware

Boluwatife

I Love You

India Waka

Orin Tiwa