Veteran waka singer Salawa Abeni has marked 50 years on stage with a glittering celebration in Lagos.
Music stars, Nollywood actors, government representatives and other guests attended the event. It took place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, on October 18.
Stars Turn Out
Several fuji musicians came to honour her. They included Wasiu Alabi, popularly called Pasuma, as well as Saheed Osupa, Sule Alao (Malaika) and Sefiu Alao.
Nollywood was also well represented. Faithia Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Foluke Daramola, Afeez Owo and Madam Saje were among the actors present.
Performances and Tributes
The programme featured live music, tributes and an exhibition of archival materials. The exhibition traced her journey from her early days in the industry to her rise as one of Nigeria’s best-known traditional music performers.
Abeni also took to the stage herself. She performed some of her popular songs and took guests back to the early years of her career.
The performances showed that her music does more than entertain. It has also recorded events, celebrated people and preserved Yoruba cultural traditions.
Message From the First Lady
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, sent a goodwill message. Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, delivered it on her behalf.
The First Lady praised Abeni’s resilience and her commitment to indigenous Nigerian music. She also noted that the singer’s songs have helped preserve history and promote societal values.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Abeni’s journey began in 1976, when she released her debut album at 15. The album was titled “Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed” and was dedicated to the late Head of State. It helped establish her as a leading voice in waka music.
Fifty years on, she remains a prominent figure in the genre. The anniversary brought different generations of entertainers together, and it served as a reminder of the value of indigenous music to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
