Waka music veteran, Queen Salawa Abeni, has opened up about one of the most challenging periods of her life, revealing that she was paralysed for five years following the death of her first son.
The veteran Nigerian singer made the disclosure during an interview with YouTube channel Oyinmomo, where she reflected on her personal struggles, health challenges and more than four decades in the music industry.
According to Abeni, the death of her son had a devastating impact on her, leaving her paralysed from the neck down and dependent on others for basic daily activities.
“I faced challenges such that when my first son died, I was paralysed for five years. I was taken from place to place in search of healing, but despite that, I never got tired of music.”
She explained that her condition became so severe that she required assistance with bathing and dressing.
“In fact, when my siblings were crying, I would tell them to stop because I knew I was going to get well. I got paralysed from neck to my legs. I was being bathed and dressed for. I thank God for His mercy.”
Despite the prolonged health challenge, Abeni said she never abandoned music. She maintained her connection with the profession throughout the difficult period and continued to draw strength from her career.
Salawa Abeni Recalls Challenges of Early Music Career
The Waka music icon also reflected on the difficulties she encountered during the early years of her career, noting that performing professionally came with significant challenges.
She disclosed that she experienced serious health episodes while performing, including an occasion when she vomited blood on stage.
Abeni’s decades-long career has made her one of the most recognisable figures associated with Waka music in Nigeria. However, she used the interview to clarify a common misconception about the origins of the genre.
‘I Didn’t Create Waka Music’ — Salawa Abeni
Contrary to the widespread description of her as the creator of Waka music, Abeni explained that the genre existed before she began her professional career.
She recalled that older women were already performing Waka music before she became involved in the genre.
“I started out very young, but there were older women, even older than my parents, that were already singing Waka music. So, I didn’t create Waka music; people were already doing it.”
Abeni’s comments offer a personal account of the struggles she endured throughout her career while also highlighting the history of Waka music and the contributions of earlier female performers.
The singer remains an influential figure in Nigerian traditional and popular music, with a career spanning more than four decades.