…I was paralysed from my neck to my legs, says veteran Waka singer
Toyyibat Qasim
Veteran Nigerian Waka musician, Queen Salawa Abeni, has opened up about one of the darkest periods of her life, revealing that the death of her first son left her paralysed for five years.
Abeni made the disclosure during an interview with YouTube channel, Oyinmomo, where she reflected on her life, music career and the personal challenges she encountered over the years.
The veteran singer said the devastating loss affected her so severely that she became paralysed from her neck downwards and could no longer perform basic daily activities without assistance from members of her family.
She said she was subsequently taken from one place to another in search of healing but remained determined to continue with her music despite her condition.
According to her, the paralysis affected virtually her entire body.
“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.
“I got paralysed from my neck to my legs. I was being bathed and dressed for. I thank God for His mercy.”
Abeni also recalled the physical challenges she experienced during the early years of her music career, saying performing at a young age took a toll on her health.
She disclosed that she sometimes suffered severe health episodes while performing, including an occasion when she vomited blood on stage.
Despite the difficulties, the singer said she remained committed to music throughout the turbulent periods of her life.
‘I didn’t create Waka music’
The veteran musician also clarified misconceptions about the origin of Waka music, stressing that she should not be described as the creator of the genre.
Abeni explained that although she started performing at a young age and became one of the most recognised faces of Waka music, other female artistes had already established themselves in the genre before her emergence.
Her comments come against the backdrop of renewed interest in the lives and contributions of veteran Nigerian musicians whose careers helped shape the country’s indigenous popular music culture.
Abeni, widely recognised as one of the prominent figures in Waka music, has maintained a long career in the Nigerian music industry despite the personal and physical challenges she said she encountered along the way..
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
