……..From Waka Pioneer to Global Fuji Matriarch, The Queen Still Reigns
Fifty years ago, a young girl from Ijebu picked up a microphone and changed the sound of Fuji/Waka music in Nigeria forever. Today, that voice is still commanding public attention, still inspiring generations, and still wearing the crown.
Chief (Mrs.) Salawa Abeni, MON, the undisputed Female Fuji and Waka Queen, is celebrating 50 years on stage five decades of rhythm, resilience, and royalty in Nigerian music.
Born Alhaja Salawa Abeni, she burst onto the scene in the early 1970s as a Waka singer, a genre rooted in Islamic praise and Yoruba poetry. At a time when the industry was dominated by men, Salawa broke barriers with her powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and fearless lyrics.
Her 1980s crossover into Fuji music cemented her legend. Albums like Late General Ayinla Omowura Memorial and Omo Iya Alhaja became anthems. She wasn’t just singing, she was leading, she was one of the first women to hold their own female gender on the Fuji stage, trading verses with the men and winning.
In 1992, she made history again as the first Nigerian female artist to win a Gold Disc for sales of over a million copies of her album Indonesia. That record took her music beyond Africa to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Five decades later, Salawa Abeni is more than a musician. She is A Pioneer: She opened the door for every female Fuji, Waka, and Apala artist after her.
She is A Cultural Ambassador, as her music carries Yoruba proverbs, Islamic praise, and African identity to global stages.
Also a A Philanthropist, through her foundation, she has supported widows, orphans, and upcoming female musicians.
She is A Royalty, as honoured with the national award of MON – Member of the Order of the Niger, and chieftaincy titles across Yorubaland.
At 65, her energy on stage remains unmatched, the twirls, the voice control, the call-and-response with fans, the Queen still gives a masterclass every time she mounts the stage.
Fellow musicians, fans, and dignitaries have described her 50 year milestone as “a national celebration.”
“Mama Salawa paved the way for us. She proved that a woman can stand in Fuji and not just stand, but lead,” said one of the new generation female Fuji stars.
“50 years is not beans. It’s dedication, discipline, and divine grace,” a fan wrote on social media.
To mark the golden jubilee, a series of events are being planned including a grand concert in Lagos, a documentary on her life, and a scholarship fund for young female musicians in her name.
As she clocks 50 years on stage, Salawa Abeni’s message remains the same: Hard work, faith, and staying true to your roots.
From the streets of Ijebu to the world stage, from Waka to Fuji, from young girl with a dream to A Queen with a legacy, Salawa Abeni has done it.
The microphone is still hers, the crown is still hers and the music is still playing.
