Salawa Abeni marks 50 years on stage with star-studded event

Veteran waka musician, Salawa Abeni, was celebrated by music stars, Nollywood actors, government representatives and other dignitaries as she marked 50 years on stage at a ceremony in Lagos on Sunday.

The event, held on October 18 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together personalities from different parts of the entertainment industry to honour Abeni’s contribution to Nigerian music and her role in preserving the traditional Yoruba genre, waka.

Among the musicians who attended were fuji stars, Wasiu Alabi, aka Pasuma; Saheed Osupa, Sule Alao, aka Malaika; and Sefiu Alao; while Nollywood actors such as Faithia Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Foluke Daramola, Afeez Owo, Madam Saje were also present at the event

The ceremony featured live musical performances, tributes and an exhibition of archival materials documenting the singer’s journey from her early years in the industry to her emergence as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable traditional music performers.

Abeni also took to the stage to perform some of her popular songs, taking guests back to the early years of her career.

The performances highlighted how her music has served not only as entertainment but also as a means of documenting events, celebrating individuals and preserving Yoruba cultural traditions.

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A goodwill message from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was delivered by the wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat, who represented her at the occasion.

In her message, Tinubu acknowledged Abeni’s resilience and dedication to indigenous Nigerian music, noting her contribution to preserving history and promoting societal values through her songs.

The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the singer’s journey, which began in 1976 when she released her debut album, Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, at the age of 15.

The album, dedicated to the late Nigerian Head of State, helped establish her as a prominent voice in Waka music.

The celebration was not only a recognition of Abeni’s longevity but also an occasion to acknowledge the importance of indigenous music in Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Fifty years after the beginning of her professional recording career, the singer remains a prominent figure in Waka music, with her anniversary bringing together different generations of entertainers to celebrate her contribution to the industry.