Veteran Waka singer Salawa Abeni has recalled the difficult experiences she endured after entering the music industry at a very young age. In fact, Salawa Abeni childhood was marked by these challenges. She revealed that the pressure sometimes affected her physically.
According to TheCable, the 65-year-old singer spoke during an interview aired on Channels Television on Sunday. She reflected on the obstacles she faced while performing alongside much older musicians. This highlights how Salawa Abeni childhood played a role in shaping her resilience.
Abeni said her small stature meant organisers sometimes placed her on a stool so she could reach the microphone during performances.
Despite the attention surrounding the young performer, she said some appearances became physically difficult. This is a reality rooted in Salawa Abeni childhood experiences.
“Sometimes I will be vomiting blood,” she recalled.
The singer said there were also occasions when she would suddenly lose her voice when it was time for her to perform.
Salawa Abeni recalls jealousy
Abeni attributed some of the difficulties surrounding her early career to jealousy from people. Some questioned why such a young girl was attracting widespread attention. Clearly, Salawa Abeni childhood was not without its challenges.
“It was jealousy,” she said while recalling the reactions she encountered at the time.
Despite those experiences, she continued pursuing music and eventually became one of the most recognisable figures associated with Waka.
Music journey spans decades
Abeni began performing professionally in the 1970s and released her debut album, “Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed,” in 1976.
She continued releasing music through Leader Records. Later, she joined the record label associated with her then-husband, Fuji musician Kollington Ayinla.
Her influence was formally recognised in 1992 when the late Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, crowned her the “Queen of Waka Music.”
Waka, an Islamic-influenced Yoruba musical tradition, predates the emergence of genres such as Fuji.
Looking back on her journey, Abeni described her career as one filled with obstacles. However, she maintained that she continued because music was ultimately the path meant for her.
