By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos, Nigeria – Legendary Nigerian singer, politician, and actress Onyeka Onwenu has passed away at the age of 72. Onwenu reportedly slumped after an impressive performance at the birthday party of Stella Okoli in Lagos on Tuesday. She was rushed to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she was pronounced dead.
Speaking with Channels Television, Muhammed Ahlim, spokesperson for the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), confirmed the report but noted that an official statement from the family was still pending. “Yes, it is true. But we are yet to get an official statement from the family,” he said.
Onyeka Onwenu, born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She achieved widespread acclaim with numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
In addition to her music career, Onwenu was also a celebrated actress, starring in several Nollywood films, and earned numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. Recognized as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music, she made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Onwenu also made significant contributions to politics and public service. She was appointed Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016. Her dedication to Nigerian society was acknowledged with the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Tributes Pour In for Onyeka Onwenu
Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri expressed their grief over Onwenu’s passing. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sani said the nation had lost a great artist who spread messages of love and peace through her music. “Onyeka, the nation has lost a timeless legend and a great artist who sang from the heart, spreading the messages of love and peace through music. Your melodies will forever resonate in our souls. Rest in peace,” he wrote.
Omokri, also reacting on X, described Onwenu as an elegant stallion who elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence. “I am heartbroken at the news of the death of veteran singer, broadcaster, and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, at 72. I knew her, and we bonded over my love for her music, which added value to my early years. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to collaborate with her and Panam Percy Paul on a charity single I executive produced. She was called the elegant stallion for a reason. And the reason is that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence. Onyeka Onwenu was a great asset to Nigeria and a significant star on the African continent and beyond. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace! Onyeka Onwenu: January 31, 1952-July 31, 2024: Gone but never to be forgotten,” he wrote.
Governor Obaseki Mourns Onyeka Onwenu
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki also expressed his sorrow over Onwenu’s death, describing her as a gift to her generation. In a press statement on Tuesday, the governor lauded her as “one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports.”
“Onwenu was a gift to her generation—sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting. Hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing both the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes. Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, lacing her music with messages for social revival. She wore many hats elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader. Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused into the many avenues she used to advocate for a more prosperous nation. It is sad that we lost her at a time when we needed role models like her to inspire Nigerian youths, who would have benefited from her experience and insights garnered as an active figure in various aspects of the Nigerian experience. We will miss her elegance, candour, and infectious charm. I commiserate with the Onwenu family, friends, and associates and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
Onyeka Onwenu’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with many across Nigeria and beyond.
