The saying “once a legend, always a legend” applies perfectly to famous Nigerian singer Salawa Abeni, known as the Queen of Waka music, who has proven that she is still as relevant as ever.
Waka is a traditional Yoruba musical style with Islamic influence popularized by Batile Alake, a prominent singer who passed away in 2013. It is a much older genre than jùjú and fuji.
Music Queen Waka demonstrated her relevance and knowledge of the latest trends with her cover of singer Asake's 'Fuji Vibe', a track from her third album, 'Lungu Boy', released in 2024.
Fuji Vibe is a charming and well-crafted song that showcases Asake’s exceptional talent and versatility. Fuji’s fusion of contemporary Afrobeats and traditional elements gives the song a unique sound.
Waka music pioneer Salawa proved that legends never age with her soulful rendition of “Fuji Vibe” posted to her Instagram page on Monday.
Her soulful voice and heartfelt performance of the song breathed new life into the song. Her performance was so good that fans pressured her to collaborate with Asake.
Article page with promotion of financial support
Salawa's unique blend of traditional Waka sound on the cover proved that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
In the video's caption, the 63-year-old said she can still dance and described the song as beautiful and inspiring.
The lyrics on the cover of Salawa’s song read like this: “Abeni Salawatu, Ibiwunmi omo Manunatu Ashabi. Sèbí èmi ná ni mo korin tí e sááré wálé; sèbí èmi ná ni mo fún yín ni ohùn tó dùn tó dùn.
“Ogun sá ni ayé, e jé ká se tiwa, e ni tí ó bá gbón tó bá mo ayé di orí rè mú kó sá fún ayé. Salawa, mo ti pé ní ita, ìyá bàbá yin lo ke si yin, ekùn kan so so nínú gbogbo yin lo ke si yin. “Ibi ti ayé ba yi si ni mo ma báwon yí si.”
The translated lyrics are: “I am Salawatu, the daughter of Mamunatu Ashabi, and I was the one who sang, making you all hurry back home; I was the one who gave you good music. This world is a battlefield; let us do our part. Anyone who is wise and understands the world must take care of his head. I, Salawa, have been here for a long time. I am the only lion among you, and I will dance to the tune of where the world is headed.”
Salawa Abeni Salawa Abeni
Salawa released his debut album, 'Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed', on Leader Records in 1976.
Leader Records was owned by her first husband, Lateef Adepoju, with whom she had two children.
The Ogun-born singer's album became the first recording by a female Yoruba artiste to sell over a million copies in Nigeria.
In 1986 she left Leader Records and joined the Killington Ayinla label, to whom she was married until 1994.
Salawa was crowned 'Queen of Waka Music' by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in 1992.
Some of his works include the late Murtala Muhammed, Iba Omode Iba Agba, Shooting Stars, Ijamba Motor, Okiki Kan To Sele/Yinka Esho Esor and Orin Tuntun.
The last time Salawa made headlines was in 2023, when she revealed that Rasheed Adahunse, the Comptroller and Commandant of the Customs Training School, was her husband.