Today, on May 5th, 2023, we celebrate the 62nd birthday of Salawa Abeni, a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter hailing from Ijebu Waterside in Ogun State. Salawa commenced her professional music career in 1976 and released her debut album, “Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed,” under the record label, Leader Records.
Salawa’s exceptional musical talent and hard work led her to become the first female Yoruba singer to sell over 1 million copies in Nigeria. In 1992, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, crowned her the Queen of Waka Music. Waka Music is a popular Islamic-oriented Yoruba musical genre popularized by Alhaja Batile Alake.
![](https://olorisupergal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/9DD5879C-A8D3-4D55-BB78-2FDB08F332CC.jpeg)
Throughout her illustrious 46-year career, Salawa Abeni has released over 35 albums, including her earliest works such as “Late Murtala Muhammed” (Leader, 1976), “Iba Omode Iba Agba” (Leader, 1976), “Shooting Stars” (Leader, 1977), “Ijamba Motor” (Leader, 1978), “Okiki Kan To Sele/Yinka Esho Esor” (Leader, 1979), and “Orin Tuntun” (Leader, 1979).
As we honor Salawa Abeni on her special day, it is noteworthy to celebrate her iconic status and remarkable achievements in the music industry. Happy 62nd birthday to the Queen of Waka Music, Salawa Abeni!