Aged 78, Batile died in her home town; Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State in the early hours of Saturday, while preparing for the Subh (daybreak) Muslim prayer.
Confirming the demise of the musician to The Nation on telephone, Alhaji Kunle Halidu, manager to Salawa Abeni, the deceased’s younger colleague, said Batile was buried at about 4pm in her home town according to Islamic rites.
He said Salawa is not in town and so could not attend the burial, but that she had sent her condolences to the family of the late singer.
Batile popularised the waka, during her active days in the 50s and 60s, by playing at concerts and parties throughout Yorubaland. She is touted as the first waka singer to wax an album.
Although Waka queen, Alhaja Salawa Abeni became very popular for adding style to the genre and earning the title of ‘Queen of Waka Music’ by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in 1992. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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RIP. Hajia Batile Alake.
ReplyDeleteMay Her Soul Rest In Peace.
ReplyDeletemake Aljanah Fridau her final abode.may Almighty Allah forgive all her short come.
May her soul rest in perfect peace. She try to use her music to preach the gospel of God.
ReplyDeleteGood night waka queen of our generation.