Salawa Abeni Alidu, widely known as the Queen of Waka, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress who brought waka music, an Islamic-influenced Yoruba style predating jùjú and fùjì to widespread popularity. She began her professional career at age 14 and earned the royal title from the Alaafin of Oyo in 1992 for her cultural contributions. Now 65 in 2026, she continues performing live and connecting with fans on social media.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Salawa Abeni Alidu |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Epe, Lagos State (roots Ijebu Waterside, Ogun) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Partner | Kollington Ayinla (ex, 1986-1994); current unnamed |
| Children | 3 with Kollington; named: Big Sheff, Aminat Okikiola Ilori |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress |
| Net Worth | $450k–$10M (estimates vary) |
Early Life and Education
Salawa Abeni entered the world on May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos State, into a polygamous Ijebu Yoruba family originally from Ijebu Waterside, Ogun State. Her early years brought challenges; after her mother’s illness, she stayed with guardians and worked as a housemaid, while honing her voice at mosque events.
Formal education ended after primary school due to her father’s views on Western schooling, but her musical gifts shone through childhood songs and prayers.
Career
At 13 or 14, Abeni joined Leader Records through talent scout Lateef Adepoju, debuting onstage on December 6, 1975, and launching her hit album Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed in 1976.
By the mid-1980s, she had 15 albums with Leader, later moving to Kollington Ayinla’s label after their 1986 marriage for another 8-10 releases.
With more than 40 albums overall, she expanded into Yoruba films and refreshed waka with emotional depth and fresh arrangements in a field dominated by men.
Personal Life
Abeni first married Leader Records’ Lateef Adepoju, parting in 1986, then tied the knot with fùjì artist Kollington Ayinla from 1986 to 1994, bearing three children together. She mostly parented solo after the split and overcame a six-year paralysis from health struggles.
As of recent, she introduced her third husband, Rasheed Adahunse, during his birthday celebration. Adahunse, serving as the comptroller and commandant of the Customs Training College, marked both his birthday and retirement with a party in Lagos.
In 2025, Kollington declared her his lifelong wife, dismissing her current partner as temporary.
Controversies
Abeni drew criticism for urging musicians to shun homosexuality, likening it to drug use, which some called misguided. Her union with Kollington fueled public feuds, including rival songs like Ìfẹ́ Dára Púpọ̀. She quashed 2025 death rumors with an Instagram post.
Net Worth
Abeni’s wealth estimates range from $450,000 to $1 million, or even $5–10 million, stemming from album sales, performances, and films. Some recent claims reach $28 million, though unconfirmed, honoring her lasting influence. No precise 2026 official tally exists.
Discography
Abeni boasts over 40 albums, kicking off with Leader Records successes like Late Murtala Muhammed (1976), Iba Omode Iba Agba (1976), and Shooting Stars (1977). Standouts later include Indian Waka (1986), Experience (1991), and Good Morning In America (1999) on labels such as Kollington and Sony.
Awards and Nominations
The Alaafin of Oyo named her “Queen of Waka Music” in 1992. In 2023, she gained a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards for upholding indigenous music. Further honors highlight her groundbreaking sales and cultural role, with limited details on nominations.
