Salawa Abeni Alidu, born on May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos State, is a trailblazing Nigerian singer renowned for popularizing Waka music. An Ijebu Yoruba from Ogun State, she rose to prominence in 1976 with the release of her debut album Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed under Leader Records.
This album marked a historic moment as it became the first Yoruba-language recording by a female artist to surpass one million copies sold in Nigeria. Throughout her career, Salawa Abeni has been celebrated for her contributions to traditional Yoruba music, earning her the title Queen of Waka Music, which was conferred upon her by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in 1992.
Salawa Abeni Profile
| Name | Salawa Abeni |
| Real Name | Salawa Abeni Alidu |
| Date of Birth | 5 May 1961 |
| Age | 63 years |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Details about Salawa Abeni’s formal education are scarce, as her rise to fame came early in her life. Her career began in her teenage years, leaving little public information regarding her schooling.
Career
Salawa Abeni’s musical journey began in the mid-1970s when she quickly became a household name in Nigeria. Her debut album’s success solidified her status as a pioneer in Waka music, a genre rooted in Islamic traditions and Yoruba culture. She recorded several successful albums under Leader Records until she parted ways with the label in 1986, following the end of her relationship with the label’s owner, Lateef Adepoju, to whom she was married and had two children.
After leaving Leader Records, Salawa married fellow Fuji musician Kollington Ayinla, with whom she collaborated under his label until 1994. Her music continued to evolve, and she has remained a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry. In 2024, she demonstrated her continued relevance by covering Asake’s Fuji Vibe, showing her adaptability to contemporary trends while maintaining her traditional roots.
Controversies
Salawa Abeni has faced some controversy during her career, notably in 2018 when she made public comments discouraging her fellow musicians from engaging in homosexuality, likening it to drug addiction. Her ex also exposed her nudes at a time and this and the homosexuality remarks sparked backlash from activists, who called her views uninformed. Despite the criticism, her comments echoed similar sentiments from other Nigerian public figures.
Salawa Abeni Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/officialsalawaabeni/?hl=en.
Personal Life
Salawa Abeni has been married twice, first to Lateef Adepoju, owner of Leader Records, with whom she had two children. After her separation from Adepoju, she married Fuji musician Kollington Ayinla, but the marriage ended in 1994. She is a mother and remains active in both her personal and professional life, with her children playing a significant role in her life.
Salawa Abeni Net Worth
As of 2024, Salawa Abeni’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 Million.