Veteran Nigerian singer Salawa Abeni has recounted the physical and emotional difficulties she experienced after beginning her music career as a child.
The 65-year-old Waka singer shared the experience during an interview aired on Channels Television on Sunday, recalling how she had to stand on a stool during performances because she was too young to reach the microphone.
Abeni said the physical strain sometimes affected her ability to sing and on some occasions caused her to vomit blood.
“When I finally started music, they used to call me Salawa o, Salawa Abeni o. Some said Omo Kekere, some said nine years old,” she said.
“Anytime they used to call me to come and play, older people used to be there too to come and play. They would be singing before I got there.
“But when it is time for me, they will give me a stool to stand on so my mouth can reach the microphone.
“When it is time for me to sing, my voice will go. I won’t be able to sing. Sometimes I will be vomiting blood.
“But what will be will be. It is a long journey. It is a lot of obstacles.”
Reflecting on what she believed contributed to the difficulties, Abeni attributed some of the treatment she received to jealousy from people who were surprised by the attention she attracted at such a young age.
“It was jealousy. People saying that you, this small girl, who is your parent? Where did you come from that you just come, and everybody will be shouting your name?” she said.
Abeni began her music career in the 1970s and released her debut album, Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, in 1976.
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She continued recording under Leader Records until 1986, after which she joined the record label owned by her then-husband, Kollington Ayinla. She remained with the label until 1994.
In 1992, Abeni was honoured with the title ‘Queen of Waka Music’ by Lamidi Adeyemi, the then Alaafin of Oyo.
Waka is a traditional Yoruba music genre influenced by Islamic musical traditions. The genre was popularised by Batile Alake and emerged before later Nigerian styles such as juju and fuji.