By Segun Adebayo
For five decades, Salawa Abeni has kept her voice alive in a music industry that has witnessed changing sounds, shifting tastes and the arrival of new generations of performers.
On Sunday, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the Waka queen had the rare opportunity to look around and see just how far that journey had taken her, as Fuji stars, Nollywood actors, government functionaries and longtime admirers gathered to celebrate her 50 years on stage.
It was a night of music, memories and recognition, with the expansive hall filled with guests who came to honour not just Salawa’s longevity but also her place in Nigeria’s musical heritage.
PerSecondNews reports that from the red carpet to the main event, there was excitement in the air as familiar faces reunited, photographs were taken and stories were shared around a career that has endured for half a century.
Among the dignitaries was Oluremi Hamzat, wife of Lagos State Deputy Governor, who represented Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President.
Their presence added official recognition to an evening largely driven by the entertainment community’s affection for one of its enduring figures.
Fuji music stars Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Sule Alao Malaika and Sefiu Alao were among those who turned up to celebrate with her.
Nollywood was also strongly represented, with Fathia Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Foluke Daramola, Afeez Owo and Madam Saje among the actors at the event.
Yet, beyond the roll call of celebrities, the occasion was about a woman who has spent decades building a musical identity that remains distinctly her own.
Salawa’s journey through Waka music has made her a familiar name to generations of listeners, and the celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the resilience required to remain relevant in an industry that rarely stands still.
The evening’s proceedings were anchored by Gbenga Adeyinka, Masoyinbo and Bimbo Thomas, who brought different energies to the stage and kept the programme lively.
Moving between their roles with ease, the trio interacted freely with the audience, drawing responses from guests and turning what could have been a formal anniversary ceremony into a more relaxed, engaging celebration.
Their exchanges with the audience helped sustain the mood in the hall, as they invited reactions, made room for humour and kept guests involved in the proceedings.
The chemistry among the presenters gave the programme a natural rhythm, allowing the celebration to move between tributes, entertainment and moments of laughter without losing sight of the woman at its centre.
Outside the main hall, the red carpet had its own share of activity. Friends, colleagues and groups of admirers took turns posing for photographs, greeting one another and sharing in the excitement of the milestone.
The familiar faces and warm exchanges gave the gathering the feel of an entertainment family reunion, with Salawa’s achievement providing the reason for everyone to come together.
When the celebrant arrived, she made sure the occasion had its own fashion moment. Dressed in a flowing black-and-gold lace outfit, Salawa drew attention as she stepped into the venue, looking every bit the star whose career was being celebrated.
Her entrance was met with excitement from guests, many of whom had come to see the Waka queen celebrated in the company of fellow entertainers and admirers.
But the strongest reminder of why the night belonged to her came when she took to the stage. Salawa revisited some of the songs that had made their mark in the 1980s and 1990s, taking the audience back to a period when her music enjoyed a prominent place in the country’s entertainment scene.
The familiar melodies brought a sense of nostalgia to the hall, particularly for listeners who had followed her career over the years.
There was something fitting about hearing the songs again in a room filled with people from different generations of the entertainment industry.
The music did more than provide entertainment; it connected the celebrant’s past to the present, allowing guests to appreciate the body of work behind the golden milestone.
For an artiste whose career has spanned five decades, the songs remain an important part of her story.
The presence of Fuji musicians at the celebration also reflected the respect Salawa commands among colleagues in the wider Yoruba music scene.
Although Waka has its own identity, its history is closely connected to the broader evolution of popular Yoruba music. Salawa’s career stands as part of that story, shaped by her ability to maintain a distinctive sound while continuing to attract an audience.
The actors in attendance added another dimension to the gathering. With performers from music and film sharing the same space, the anniversary became a meeting point for two influential parts of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Their attendance reflected the relationships and friendships that have developed over the years among people whose careers have helped shape the country’s popular culture.
The celebration was more than just a party—it was a tribute to Salawa Abeni’s 50-year journey of grit, passion, and musical brilliance.
Industry heavyweights and fans gathered at the Lagos Continental Hotel to honour the legend at a pivotal moment in her legendary career.
As tributes flowed and stars took to the stage, all eyes stayed on the undisputed Queen of Waka.
The memorable evening celebrated not only five decades of iconic music, but also the remarkable staying power of an icon whose artistry seamlessly spans generations.
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