Veteran waka singer Salawa Abeni has offered a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the struggles that defined her life and career, revealing that she suffered five years of paralysis and would often vomit blood while performing.
In a recent interview, Abeni spoke candidly about the hardships she endured, including the devastating loss of her first son. She recounted the years of physical and emotional pain that could have broken a lesser spirit.
“Whenever I carried a microphone on stage, I would start vomiting blood. Sometimes my voice would disappear completely. I could not move my legs for five years, but I could still speak. The suffering was unimaginable,” she said.
Abeni also addressed her departure from the music scene and her split from Kollington, attributing it to fate rather than personal conflict. She acknowledged that jealousy and competition are inevitable in any profession, but maintained that her path was shaped by forces beyond her control.
Her testimony has resonated widely, with many praising her resilience and courage. Despite the trials, Salawa Abeni remains one of the most celebrated voices in Nigerian music, a testament to the strength that carried her through the darkest moments of her life.