Salawa Abeni opens up on five-year paralysis after son’s death

Nigerian singer, songwriter and the Queen of Waka music, Salawa Abeni, has opened up on dealing with grief, after experiencing the loss of her first son.

The veteran singer, while speaking during an interview, spoke up regarding some of the most difficult periods of her life and music career. She revealed that she became paralysed from her neck down after the death of her son, leaving her dependent on others for basic activities.

Salawa also disclosed that sometimes experienced disturbing health episodes while performing on stage.

“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. 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. But I thank God for his mercy,” she stated.Salawa also disclosed that sometimes experienced disturbing health episodes while performing on stage.

Salawa also cleared the air on the origin of Waka music, stressing that she did not create the genre.

“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,” she added.