Queen Salawa Abeni Alidu (born May 5, 1961) is a popular Nigerian singer known for her waka music genre, an older genre than Juju and Fuji. She came to prominence for her first album “Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed” which boast of sold out of over one million copies worldwide. She is also known for her song “Gentle Lady” which was remixed by her son Big Sheff while adding a little bit of hip hop rhythm. Salawa already boast of over 40 albums to her credit.
| Queen Salawa Abeni | |
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| Quick Facts | |
| Birth Name: | Salawa Abeni Alidu |
| Birth Date: | May 5, 1961 |
| Birth Place: | Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Origin: | Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Singer |
| Husbands: | Lateef Adepoju (div. 1986)Kollington Ayinla (div. 1994) |
| Children: | Big Sheff, Aminat Okikiola Ilori |
| Net Worth: | $450,000 – $1,000,000 |
Early Life
Salawa Abeni was born on May 5, 1961 in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria and originally a native of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Career
Salawa came through professionally in 1976 while releasing her debut album “Late Murtala Muhammed” under Leader Records.
She left Leader records in 1986 and joined Kollington Ayinla record label till 1994. She also became known for her hit song “Gentle Lady” which went viral across the various television and radio stations. The song was later remixed by her son Big Sheff with more exciting lyrics.
She became known for her “Waka music”, which is an Islamic influenced, traditional Yoruba music style as popularized by Batile Alake.
Ever since she rose to fame, she has released numerous projects which include the likes of Ile Aiye, Ikilo, Maradonna, Candle, Shooting Stars, Omi Yale and many others.
Albums
- Orin Tuntun
- Ile Aiya
- Omi Yale
- Ikilo
- Late Murtala Muhammed
- Appreciation Cassette
- We Are The Children
- Abode America
- Iroyin Mecca
- Shooting Stars
- Congratulations
- Cheer Up Waka Carnival
- Goodmorning in A,erica
Personal Life
Salawa was in a relationship with Lateef Adepoju, Leader record label owner, and later parted ways in 1986. She got married to Kollington Ayinla and the they also parted ways in 1994.
The veteran singer is a proud mother and grandmother. She has 3 children; a girl and two boys. One of her son, Big Sheff is also a musician,
Awards & Nominations
Salawa has got so many outstanding recognitions in the course of her music career. One of them include being crowned “Queen of Waka Music” by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in 1992.
Net Worth
Salawa Abeni has an estimated net worth of $450,000 – $1,000,000
Social Media
- Instagram: @officialsalawaabeni
