Yesterday, the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, became a gathering point for music lovers, industry stakeholders, family, friends and well-wishers as they came together to celebrate the remarkable 50-year musical journey of Queen Salawa Abeni. The event, organised by Lahmad Concepts, was, by every standard, a fitting celebration of a woman whose name has become synonymous with the preservation of Waka music in Nigeria.
The occasion attracted an impressive mix of personalities from the music industry, Nollywood, the corporate world and government circles, all united in honouring a woman whose contribution to indigenous Nigerian music deserves every recognition it receives.
Interestingly, this celebration came on the heels of another significant moment in the singer’s illustrious career. In October last year, Queen Salawa Abeni was recognised for her immense contributions to the Waka music genre at Ariya Eko, the annual indigenous music celebration organised by Evergreen Music in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. One could not help but observe that, lately, the veteran singer has been receiving her well-deserved flowers, a welcome development for an artiste whose legacy has endured across generations.
In her characteristic style, elegance and composure, Queen Salawa Abeni opened the evening by taking her audience on a nostalgic journey back to 1976, the year she began her musical career. Through her songs, she revisited the early days of her journey, offering the audience a glimpse into the musical experiences and historical moments that have shaped her artistry.
Among the songs she performed were one inspired by the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed and another titled Iba Agba, through which she paid homage to elders and notable figures in the music industry. These performances were more than mere entertainment; they were reminders of the power of indigenous music as a vehicle for documenting history, celebrating personalities and preserving collective memory.
Beyond the glitz, glamour and celebratory atmosphere, however, one of the most compelling aspects of the evening was Queen Salawa Abeni’s heartfelt acknowledgement of two prominent Nigerians whose support, she revealed, had played a significant role in sustaining her through some of the most difficult moments of her life.
First was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR a lover of music, particularly indigenous Nigerian music. Recounting an especially challenging period in her health, Salawa spoke about how the President invited her to his home and took responsibility of her medical care. Her account offered a deeply personal glimpse into a period when, by her own narration, she needed help and encouragement the most.
The second was Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose goodwill message was delivered by the wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Oluremi Hamzat. In her tribute, the First Lady acknowledged Salawa Abeni’s resilience and enduring commitment to the preservation of indigenous Nigerian music. She described the singer as an artiste who has consistently used her music to tell stories, preserve history and instil values in the society.
The tribute also revealed a personal connection between the First Lady and the celebrated musician. Senator Oluremi Tinubu recalled that Queen Salawa Abeni’s remarkable achievements had inspired her to feature the singer on the bandstand during her 40th birthday celebration—a testament to the veteran artiste’s influence beyond the conventional boundaries of the music industry.
Indeed, there was something profoundly moving about celebrating a woman who began her musical journey at just 15 years of age and has remained relevant for five decades. Her story is not merely one of longevity; it is a testament to resilience in the face of life’s vicissitudes, the courage to reinvent oneself and the determination to remain standing in an industry that is constantly evolving.
For Queen Salawa Abeni, 50 years on stage represents much more than a career milestone. It is a celebration of survival, creativity, cultural identity and an enduring musical legacy. Her journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of an artiste who has continued to carry the Waka tradition into new generations while retaining her distinctive identity.
As the music industry increasingly embraces contemporary sounds and changing audience preferences, the story of Queen Salawa Abeni serves as a timely reminder that indigenous music remains an important repository of our history, values and cultural heritage. Artistes who have dedicated their lives to sustaining these traditions deserve not only applause during milestone celebrations but also sustained recognition, institutional support and deliberate efforts to preserve their contributions for posterity.
At 50 years on stage, Queen Salawa Abeni has earned her place among the enduring voices of Nigerian music. Her resilience has kept her standing, her reinvention has sustained her relevance, and her reign continues to inspire admiration.
