Waka music veteran, Queen Salawa Abeni, has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of her life, revealing that she was paralysed for five years following her son’s death.
The veteran singer made the revelation during an interview with YouTube channel, Oyinmomo, where she reflected on her personal struggles and more than four decades in the music industry.
According to Abeni, the death of her son took a severe toll on her, leaving her paralysed from the neck down and dependent on others for basic activities.
“I faced challenges when my first son died such that I was paralysed for five years. I was taken from place to place in search of healing but despite that, I never got tired of music.”
She recalled that her condition became so severe that she needed assistance with bathing and dressing.
“In fact, when my siblings were crying, I would tell them to stop because I knew I was going to get well. I got paralysed from neck to my legs. I was being bathed and dressed for. I thank God for his mercy.”
Despite the health challenge, Abeni said she refused to abandon music, maintaining her connection with the profession throughout the difficult period.
The singer also recalled some of the challenges she faced during the early years of her career, saying performing music at the time came with its own difficulties.
She disclosed that she sometimes experienced serious health episodes while performing, including vomiting blood on stage.
Abeni, who has remained one of the notable figures associated with Waka music for decades, also used the interview to address the history of the genre.
Contrary to the widespread description of her as the creator of Waka music, she explained that the genre existed before she began her career.
“I started out very young but there were older women, even older than my parents, that were already singing Waka music. So, I didn’t create Waka music, people were already doing it.”