A living music legend, Alhaja Hawawu Alake-Adisa, popularly known as “Iya Aladuke, abolodefeloju” has said her greatest regret in her career was when she lost her grandchild to an accident in a car given to her by a fan.
The 86-year old creator of “Senwele” Yoruba music genre, told newsmen in Ilorin at the weekend that the accident occurred three days after she took delivery of the vehicle.
She said: “Being a musician is a difficult task because it has a lot to do with metaphysical power.
“I recall many years back when I sang and was given a vehicle.
“On the third day I got the gift, I was involved in a fatal accident that claimed my grand child and the vehicle was written off.
“I had so many ugly experiences and I saw a lot as a musician that almost discouraged me. I wanted to back out, but I persisted.”
Iya Aladuke said music in those days was believed to be associated with metaphysical powers, adding that this informed her decision not to encourage any of her children to take after her.
The musician, who spoke in Yoruba language said: “Music in those days was not a profession you would like to hand over to your children”.
She added: “Can anyone give birth to a child and send him to choose commercial driving as profession?
“The plan of every parent was for his or her children to go to school to study and become lawyers, engineers and doctors.”
The Octogenarian, who is still active in music, however, said that the trend had changed with music because many youths were now taking to the profession.
She said many young musicians had adapted her Senwele brand for secular and religious purposes.
She said: “I am the authentic Iya Aladuke, the creator of Senwele, but so many musicians have adapted my brand of music even for gospel.
“Now, there are many musicians singing Senwele and they are doing well. My music has also been used for Nollywood movies.”
Iya Aladuke said “Senwele” was a divine gift to her, adding that she did not learn the music from anyone but she got her inspiration from God.
She said the record hit that brought her to limelight was that titled, “Won lasewo ni wa” (They say we are whores) but she paid heavily for it.
She said: “I suffered over the record but God rewarded me in His own way.
“So many people castigated me because of the record; they claimed it contained foul languages.
“But because of the wide acceptance of the music, it made me so popular and those who castigated me later came back to praise me.
“I have even done collaborations with young musicians like Fuji star, King Wasiu Ayinde and Saheed Osupa.
“My doors are wide open to others who may want collaboration with me for musical production.”
The Octogenarian advised young, talented musicians against desperate crave for wealth and fame.
She said: “They should be respectful, humble and not desperate for wealth and earthly things.
“For those who are well known, they should learn to manage their fame by abstaining from scandal.
“They should know that they are public figures and that their acts should be properly guided to avoid scandals.”
