Nigeria, Sept. 7 -- Waka music icon Salawa "Queen of Waka Music" Abeni has opened up about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her music career, revealing how jealousy and alleged "diabolical attacks" from senior colleagues nearly forced her out of the industry.

The 65-year-old began her career in 1976 with the release of her debut hit album, "Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed."

Speaking on "Rubin's Mind" on Channels Television on Sunday night, she recounted some of the challenges she faced, including losing her voice and vomiting blood at different points in her career.

Abeni said she developed an interest in music at the age of nine and regularly performed alongside older musicians whenever they invited her to join them. ...