QUEEN SALAWA IS BACK

Queen salawa is back Written by

Dauda Awwal Being an article published in Phoenix Newspaper, United Kingdom January2016

DYA©2017

Queen salawa abeni is back

Written by

Dauda Awwal (Being an article published in Phoenix Newspaper, United Kingdom)

DYM AWWAL (2017)

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QUEEN SALAWA ABENI IS BACK Written by

Alh.Dauda Awwal

Dauda Awwal ©2017 2

SALAWA ABENI IS BACK

Copyright (c) Dauda Awwal ISBN:978-1-365-8262-4 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED daudawwal@gmail.com 0044 7466767942

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DEDICATION This booklet is dedicated to Queen Alhaja Salawa Abeni and her Children:Ameenat Okikiola,Shareef,Dhikrullah,Ojumirire and Abdul-Azeem.

ALHAJA QUEEN SALAWA ABENI AND HER WAKA MODERNIZER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION---------------------------------------------------------------------------1 HER CAREER------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 WHO IS SALAWA ABENI ?--------------------------------------------------------------8 HER CHALLENGES----------------------------------------------------------------------9 HER PICTURE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------10 LIST OF HER ALBUM--------------------------------------------------------------------11 INTERVIEW IN SUN NEWSPAPER---------------------------------------------12-14

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PREFACE The music in Nigeria reflects in all sphere of life of the African people.

Music is used in religious worship such include Sango,Ogun,Obatala,Oya and others. Music is allowed in Islam, music with an emphasis on drums and bandiri is used by sufiyyun.

One of the unique contribution of the Yoruba is the special means of communication by drumming tradition. Africa have legends in music, drama, dances,. poetry among others. and it contributes to African communities. Communication is the root of world creation. Most of Yoruba music is devoted to God. Yoruba music has become the most important component of modern Nigerian popular music, as a result of its early influence from European, Islamic and Brazilian forms.

In the music industry Late Sikiru Ayinde was one of the legends in fuji music, regarded as one of the pioneers and revolutionary of fuji and were music with his modern styles.

Yoruba music have now come of age and the new generation of Nigerian music now sing in their native language. 9ice is one of many that broke into the industry with Gongo Aso and many more artist followed.

They modernize many songs uses by workers in field, rivers canoes, women also use work songs for house which including cleaning, sweeping and cooking in the kitchen. Sometimes the choir uses instruments in some regions emphasis is put together on the drums.

The igbo also play slit drums, xylophones, flutes. Yorubas has a unique tradition of drumming. Dundun, Iyalu which is the leader of dundun, bata.

Hausa uses free rhythmic improvising and Arabic scale. All Hausa instruments played are percussion such as Tambari drum and kakaki trumpet, Electric guitar, trumpets, horns helped juju, fuji, apala and waka music.

Salawa Abeni is the only female waka singer who started her career at the age of 13. She is the only one of the most successful artists in Nigeria.

Dauda Awwal 22/01/2018.

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SALAWA IS BACK For over 40 years Queen Salawa Abeni has been thrilling audiences with her dynamic live performances. In December 2016 she was invited by the Executive Governor of Lagos state to perform at the state house where the some Nigerian legends in the music industry including Queen Salawa Abeni were celebrated by the Lagos State Government, among them include Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Sir Victor Wifor, Adewale Ayuba,Lagbaja.

Salawa Abeni performed her waka at the event. Abeni has released over 50 albums between 1976-2016. Salawa is back to her career, she intends to recapture her Waka and take it to the next level. She speaks with Dauda Awwal, UK Investigative Journalist in an exclusive interview with him.

Salawa Abeni born May 5, 1961 into a polygamous home, she is a popular female Nigerian musician. Her father Alhaji Khaleed Ojomu married her late mother Mrs Memunat Ashabi Ojomu and blessed with many children.

Abeni loves music at the age of 5.Lateef Adepoju-owner of leader records discovered her talents at the age of 13.With the permission of her parents Lateef took her to studio in 1976 After the sudden death of Nigerian Head of State-Gen.Murtala Ramat Muhammad, she released her hit debut album Late General Ramat Mohammed in 1976 under Leader records. This became the first recording by a female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria.

Abenimoved to Lagos 1980and formed her own group named Waka Modernisers, left Leader Records after she recorded 15 LP Master tape including tribute album to the apala legend star,late Alhaji Haruna Ishola (Baba Gani Agba)..

Abeni has won many awards. She is the first best-selling female artist in Nigeria, Salawa was crowned as 'Queen of Waka' in 1992 Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,the Alaafin of Oyoat Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan and she has continued to regale her fans with several unbeatable rhythms. She is the only one of the most successful artists in Nigeria.

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HER CAREER What is Waka?

Waka is a term used to describe music in Hausa language, waka developed out of Yoruba folkloric, it is remarkable rhythmical music that is driven by the rich eloquence of the talking drums. Queen Salawa Abeni 's majestic voice combine to make her waka music an irresistible journey to the heart of Africa's most dynamic culture. Her music is a cultural phenomenon whose music crosses ethnic and religious division. Salawa is an icon to millions of Nigerian women in Nigeria and Diaspora.

Salawa emerged as a teen star. Abeni first gained international recognition in the 1976 she signed on to Kolligton Ayinla. In 1990, Abeni establishing herself as a viable waka modernization the western part in Nigeria gained recognition around the world.

She achieved worldwide fame after releasing several albums. Her albums became the best-selling throughout 36 states in Nigeria. She also scored a series of international number-one hits, including "Gentle Lady nimi,mio kinse fighter o,kenikeni Matimi Losibiija’’ Alhaja Salawa's music has been influenced by genres ranging from Waka to hip hop rock and classical. Her recordings are mainly in Yoruba mixed with English, although she also sings in Hausa.

The mother of three is a star and giant of African music.

While her releases have often received mixed critical reception, she is regarded as one of Waka music's most influential voices.

Abeni has won many awards. She is the first best-selling female artist in Nigeria. Abeni remains the best-selling Nigerian artist and one of the bestselling artists of all time with record sales of over 50 million copies worldwide since 1976 till date.

Raising to fame since 1974 turns her to legend, icon of Waka with her selfstyle, she is philanthropist. Salawa have achieved international fame with her distinctive songs and vocal style. Her first album gained recognition like an album Exodus released by Bob Marley in England. Salawa is a global symbol in the waka Celine Dion in United States of America.

Queen of waka music, Alhaja Salawa Abeni is one of Nigeria's most successful female musicians.

Big Shereef- son of Queen Salawa Abeni has performed on stage many times; the son of the two music legends is a blessing to the Ilori family.Big 8

Shereef told the media that his reputation had nothing to do his decision to become a musician. ’’My Mother-Queen put her foot against my decision to become drop out; I appreciate her and thank her. She contributed to my life positively to be a graduate musician''.

In an exclusive interview with Dauda Awwal,UK based Investigative Journalist Queen Salawa speaks on her career, children and her relationship with the world press.

WHO IS SALAWA ?

Salawa Abeni born May 5, 1961 into a polygamous home in Epe,waterside, Lagos state, my father was from Ogun State My mother was from Ibeju lekki-ise local Government, Lagos State. My grandmother was from Ilesha, Osun State. A popular female Nigerian Musician -daughter of Late Khalled and late Memunatu Ashabi.May Almighty Allah grant them eternal peace.

My mother was the second wife and she had many children for my father.

I love music at the age of 5,Lateef Adepoju owner of leader records discovered my talents at the age of 13.With the permission of my parents Lateef took me to studio in 1976.

After the sudden death of Nigerian Head of State-Gen.Murtala Ramat Muhammad. She released her hit debut album Late General Ramat Mohammed in 1976 under Leader records. This became the first recording by a female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT? I moved to Lagos 1980 and formed my own group named Waka Modernisers, left Leader Records after I recorded a tribute album to the apala legend star,Alhaji Haruna Ishola..

WHEN DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC? I started the music career in 1974 where I was born in Ogun State. I grew up in Igbogun, under Epe Central, Lagos State. Then we used to listen to three records, three musicians rather, through the radiogram that was used by hand in the 70s. We used to listen to Commander Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Late Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. In theatre, we used to listen to Efunsetan Aniwura and I-Show-Pepper That time, we used to engaged in traditional children's play game called ‘bojuboju o, oloronbo'.Se n wa wo,ma wawo' But whenever it was time for the programme, I used to leave my 9

people to go and listen. Then, we had to peep from the window, because it was only two people that had radio and radiogram in my town. The man and his wife now noticed that anytime they were engaging this programme, I was always by his window, he and his friend. He now said, 'Come, we see that you like this thing, come and be listening to it'. Then one day, I just said to myself, “I want to be a musician. I want people to be hailing me, and calling my name.” I just said my own. I didn't know that when I said it, the angel that was passing said 'Amen' and Almighty Allah said 'Kun FayakunBe and it will be'. That was how it started.

HOW MANY ALBUMS YOU HAVE PRODUCED? A lot, but I can only remember the last one, 'The recovering'. I love all the tracks, marketed by Lati Alagbala HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED BY NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT FOR CRITICIZING THEM? No. It is better to be slapped with truth rather than be smiled with lies.

WHO TAUGHT YOU WAKA ?

Almighty God. Nobody taught me waka, music is waka in hausa language. I have been gifted by God. Waka have been created before I was born. I met waka through Batuli Alake, Adetona Aduke, and many others. And some have come after me too. Some sing Islamic waka, some waka fuji, some Christian waka. It's the way they name it that's different, but It’s only that God said that everyone would mention Salawa Abeni's name with waka. It's not by my power or wisdom, but Almighty Allah.

HER CHALLENGES The 'WAKA' suffered a setback about ten years ago when she struck with a ailment she could not perform her musical acts both on-stage and studio, this created a vacuum in the music genre.

Queen has fully recovered from the ailment and ready to bounce back into reckoning. People had shown that her enigma was greatly missed during the period of her absence and a need to fill the void created in the entertainment world.

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''Some people will only love you as much as they can use you; their loyalty ends where the benefits stop. I use this opportunity to show my appreciation to those who have contributed positively to my life particularly Lagos State Government. May your day be filled with blessings.

I learn great things from my tears. A friend is known when needed'' A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. I thank Almighty Allah for bringing me back to life. Don’t worry about what other people say behind your back, they are the people who are finding faults in your life instead of fixing the faults in their life. Every day of your life is a page of your history. I know God has bigger and better plans for me than I have for myself. I know everything happened for a reason. Fortune favours the bold. What God knows about me is more important than what others think about me''.

Among her albums as follow 

Late MurtalaMuhammed (Leader, 1976)



IbaOmodeIbaAgba (Leader, 1976)

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Shooting Stars (Leader, 1977)

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Ijamba Motor (Leader, 1978) 11

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OkikiKan To Sele (Leader, 1979)

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Orin Tuntun (Leader, 1979)

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Irohin Mecca (Leader, 1980)

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Ile Aiye (Leader, 1980)

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Omi Yale (Leader, 1980)

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Ija O Dara (Leader, 1981)

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Ikilo (Leader, 1981)

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Enie tori e le Ku (Leader, 1982)



Challenge Cup ’84 (Leader, 1983)



Adieu AlhajiHarunaIshola (Leader, 1985)



Indian Waka (Kollington),

(1986)



Ife DaraPupo (Kollington),

(1986)



Mo Tun De Bi Mo Se Nde (Kollington), (1986)



Awa Lagba (Kollington),



Abode America (Kollington),

(1988)



Ileya Special (Kollington),

(1988)

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I Love You (Kollington),

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We Are The Children (Kollington),

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Maradonna (Kollington),



Candle (Kollington),

(1990)



Experience (Alagbada),

(1991)



Congratulations (Alagbada),

(1987)

(1988) (1989) (1989)

(1991) 12



Cheer Up (Alagbada),



Waka Carnival (Alagbada),

(1994)



Beware cassette (Sony),

(1995)

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Live In London ’96 cassette (Emperor Promotions, 1996)

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Appreciation cassette (Sony, 1997)

   

(1992)

with Barrister Evening Of Sound cassette (Zmirage Productions, 1997) Good Morning In America (Alagbada, 1999) Recovering (2015) ITESIWAJU EKO 2017 (Continuity achievements of Governor Akinwumi Ambode, The Executive Governor of Lagos State (2015-2023)

Abeni has, since the late 70s, been the acknowledged modernizer and leader of the women’s vocal and percussion style known as waka, a close relative of the male-dominated juju, apala and fuji music.

Queen Salawa Abeni has grown to a grandma.

Damiloa Fatunmise and Ayo Lawal conducted a successful interview with Queen Salawa Abeni and it was published in the Sun Newspaper published 15 January 2017 in Nigeria

How I battled strange illness for eight years -Salawa Abeni Legendary Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni is a well-known name in the music industry. She started her career as at the age of 13. In this chat with Entertainer, the grandmum opens up on her career and how she battled a strange ailment for eight years.

It is 2017, what do you have in store for your fans?

I thank Almighty Allah. Queen Salawa Abeni is fully back and I have a lot for my fans and well-wishers. I was sick for a very long period but I bless God for sustaining my life.

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For how many years were you sick?

I was sick for eight years. Very soon my albums will be released. I came back fully in 2016. I performed at AFRIMA, ‘An Evening With Governor Ambode’ and ‘One Lagos’ alongside my son, Big Sheff.

So what kind of ailment was it that you battled for eight years?

It started when I lost my son 16 years ago. It was on and off until I was totally down on Febuary 1, 2009. Rumour flew around and some people mocked me and that affected my career negatively because I couldn’t work. But today I thank God for everyone Almighty Allah used to heal me. I want to thank God, my children, siblings, family members, the press, state governors, senators, prophets of God and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all those who never gave up on me.

Was it a spiritual attack?

Hmmm… I know it didn’t start one day. I woke up one morning and I couldn’t lift myself. Only my neck and head were functioning, I did many tests both home and abroad. Five different therapists attended to me. I was flown from Nigeria to London and later to Paris but today, praise be to the Almighty Allah.

When you started your career, which Record label did you first work with?

Leader Records owned by my late son’s father. I did 15 albums after which I joined Kollington Records owned by Alhaji Ayinla Kollington. But the 15 albums are still with Leader records up till date.

Why? is it that there was no official contract between you?

I was just 13 and what was my educational qualification? I didn’t really know the ‘do’s and ‘don’ts then and that is one of the reasons I made sure I gave all I could to support my children in their educational pursuits. I could remember when the owner of Leader Records, died, my son insisted I followed him for the rites which I did and immediately after his burial, his will was read and it was stated that all my albums should be released to me but unfortunately, they haven’t done that.

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You started as a young girl, what is your advice for youngsters who want to take after you?

Exposure won’t allow them suffer like me. I stayed with a guardian in the early stage of my life but I was fortunate. My guardians were very supportive but I couldn’t further my education beyond Standard Six. Now children are enlightened.

When my son wanted to start singing I told him no problem but he had to first have his degree.

So, your educational background is the reason why all your children are university graduates?

Yes o, that is the major reason. I believe if I had been well educated, the suffering wouldn’t have been so much.

You have been singing for over four decades. Are you thinking of retirement?

(Laughter) With due respect to Ebenezer Obey, KSA, Kollington Ayinla and Wasiu Ayinde Marshal all of whom are still singing and very relevant in the industry. Why would I think of retirement?

Music is in my blood, it can’t stop.

You trained all your children single handed, was there any time you felt like giving up?

No, though it wasn’t easy, I am proud of them. I am sure that most of my colleagues who have property everywhere might mock me but today I bless God, my kids are my treasure.

Has there ever been a time you feel like quitting.

(Silence, tears) When I faced challenges at Leader Records, Yes. Secondly, at Alhaji Rasaq Ayinla Kollington’s house I wanted to quit and again when I lost my son, Lanre, I got frustrated but I had to keep my head up and face life squarely. Again, when I was down with sickness I almost lost it. This sickness almost turned me into a beggar when I ran out of cash and valuable property before government came to my aid. Even some of my friends got tired but some didn’t give up. I thank God, He stopped me from being a beggar and made me a giver.

Was there any time during your sickness that you wished to die?

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No! I never gave up for once and even when my eldest sister broke down I admonished her for lack of faith. My faith was so strong I never gave up once.

What will you say is the mystery behind your healing?

It is God. All the places I went for care contributed to my healing.

That was why I sang Owo Ti O Le Gbe Sibi Pada Wa Gbe Omo Omo (My hand that could not lift a spoon eventually got to carry my grandchild). When my first child Okikiola gave birth to my grandson, I personally named him Ojumirire (my eyes have seen good) and I am very happy I didn’t die before my mother. She was a true mother.

May Almighty God continue His blessings upon her and her family.Amen.

ABOUT

THE WRITER

DAU DA Y. M . AW WA L 00447466767942 dawwal@yahoo.com

I NVESTIGAT IVE J OUR NALI ST | F ILM /D O CU ME N TARY P RODU CE R | B I OGRAPHY W RI TER Resourceful and creative Senior Political Correspondent Columnist, leveraging more than 10 years of experience in media & communication field. Proven track record of producing music album, films, and documentaries to provide entertainment, as well as informative material. Demonstrated success in all aspects of promoting a magazine that included investigative journalism, researching, interviewing, writing, reporting, advertising and marketing. Expert in providing training to junior staff to execute 16

assigned tasks efficiently and resolving challenges with innovative solutions to generate bottom line results.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE  Writing/Reportin  Advertising/Sale g s  Films &  Training & Documentaries Developm  Strategic Planning ent &Analysis  Relationship  Industry Building Networking  Process Improvements

 Decision Making  Team Manageme nt  Problem Solving  Communica tion Skill

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS  Produced a musical album with the title “Remember Your Promise” in 2004, and a cinema film “Nemesis” in 2009.  Utilised extraordinary capabilities to write many articles, lectures, newsletters and leaflets, as well as written a published book with the name of “How to conduct a successful interview” in 2012 to assist junior journalists.  Created an interesting documentary on the essence of man creation in 2012, together with written an informative history book about personal town and origin in African Language Yoruba that published in 2012 with the title of Iwe Itan ile Alfa Hajji 17202012. Written a book “Corruption in Africa” in 2016 to provide solution to curb corruption.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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PHOENIX NEWSPAPER, BIRMINGHAM, UK 2015-2017 SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT COLUMNIST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA 2005-2013 REPORTER DAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS MAGAZINE 2005-T ILL DATE EDITOR  Rendered excellent services to structure, improve and maintain a global standard investment and business magazine.  Supervised and coordinated the overall writing, reporting and editing of the magazine, along with interviewing celebrities and dignitaries for the editions to increase the sale of magazines.  Motivated staff to work with a team work and individually in an efficient and artistic manner, also organised and retained a group of professional journalists to achieve optimum performance.  Spearheaded all the activities regarding advertising/sales and effectively communication all levels of professionals.  Demonstrated unique ideas to create a targeted marketing communication to search prospective clients; competently planned and implemented marketing promotions, also arranged meeting with clients.  Administered business accounts and acquisitions of new business clients, moreover expertly trained sales employees on generating qualified leads, pitching, defending/closing sales to meet target/deadlines.

EDUCATION & TRAINING English Course Certificate, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge 2016 Diploma in News Writing and Journalism, London School of Journalism, London, UK, 2006 18

FCE-University of Cambridge Certificate, CRTS Academy International College, London, 2002 GENERAL FEDERATION TRADE UNION (GFTU) COURSES New Representative Training, 2016 International Trade Union Rights 3 Credit Level 1, 2015|Effective Representative 3 Credits, 2015 Dealing with Bullying, Harassment and Stress Level 2, 3 Credits, 2013 and 2015 Representative Officer, 2014 | Managing Successful Project, 2013 Desktop Publishing Level 2, 3 Credits Value, 2006 | Basic Representative Course 3 Credits, 2006 Dealing with Changes of Employment Law 3 Credits Value, 2006 Understanding Company Accounts Level 1, 3 Credits, 2006 Leadership Skills 3 Credit at Level 2, 2005 | Basic Representative Court, 2005

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