The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of music maestro Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away at 72. Born on January 31, 1952, she died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at Mrs. Stella Okoli’s birthday celebration.
Ms. Onwenu had just delivered an energetic performance at the 80th birthday party of Mrs. Okoli, the founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, before she collapsed at her seat. A guest at the event shared, “I have never seen anything like this before. She had just come down from the stage after performing energetically and admirably as always and went to her seat where she slumped. It is still like a dream.”
Another eyewitness confirmed, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it.”
Medical professionals were reportedly in disbelief and have yet to move her body to the morgue. A source who accompanied her to the hospital revealed, “Apparently, she had a heart attack. The doctor has advised that the body should be kept until later this morning. It is unbelievable.”
Onyeka Onwenu was a multi-talented personality: a singer, songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former X Factor series judge. Dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, she served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in 2013.
Born in Arondizuogu, Imo State, and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Onwenu was the youngest daughter of educationist and politician D.K. Onwenu. She held a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research. Her career began as a tour guide for the United Nations before she returned to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
As an NTA employee, she made significant contributions as a newsreader and reporter. In 1984, she gained international acclaim with the BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” which addressed corruption and environmental issues in Nigeria.
Onwenu’s music career started in 1981 with the album “For the Love of You,” followed by “Endless Life” and several other albums. She transitioned to gospel music in the 90s, focusing on themes such as health, peace, and women’s rights.
In the film industry, Onwenu’s debut role was in “Nightmare.” She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2006 for “Widow’s Cot” and starred in notable films like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Lionheart.”
A political figure, she was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and served in various capacities, including as Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. In 2013, she was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Executive Director/CEO of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onwenu was also a passionate activist, known for her protests against NTA for unpaid royalties and her hunger strike in 2000, which garnered widespread support.
Onyeka Onwenu leaves behind a legacy of artistry, activism, and dedication to her country and its cultural heritage.
