Onyeka Onwenu, the legendary singer, actress, and political activist made a lasting impression on Nigerian culture and beyond. A great era came to an end on July 31, 2024, when she passed away at the age of 72.
Nigeria’s Imo State is where Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952. Her upbringing in a cultural atmosphere influenced her artistic abilities. She attended the University of Ibadan for her education and first went after a career in journalism before deciding to focus on her love of music. Her early involvement in the arts and her dedication to social causes set the stage for a career that would have a significant influence on Nigerian culture.
In the 1970s, Onwenu began performing with different bands and releasing her music, marking the beginning of her musical career. Her distinct blend of indigenous Nigerian rhythms, highlife, and Afrobeat immediately became well-known. She gained recognition for her expressive lyrics and strong voice, which connected with a large audience.
When her first record was released in the early 1980s, it made her a powerful figure in Nigerian music. Songs like “One Love,” “Ekwe,” and “Love Affair” became hits in their era, displaying her skill at combining classic and modern sounds.
Throughout her career, Onyeka Onwenu found great success in her roles as an actor and musician. She received praise for her adaptable acting abilities while starring in multiple Nollywood movies. She is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most renowned artists due to her contributions to the nation’s music and film industries.
Onwenu’s work was recognized with multiple accolades. She was the recipient of multiple Nigerian Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Female Vocalist. Her achievements in the movie industry were also honored with Best Actress honors from several Nigerian film festivals.
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Nigeria Legendary Singer Onyeka Onwenu slumped and died at 72
Throughout her career, Onyeka Onwenu made notable contributions to Nollywood, featuring in several influential films that showcased her versatile acting skills. One of her prominent roles was in “Living in Bondage” (1992), a groundbreaking film in Nigerian cinema that delves into themes of greed and corruption. She also starred in “Ngozi: The Queen of Beauty” (1995), a film exploring societal expectations of beauty, and “Asewo to Re Mecca” (1991), which reflects the social dynamics of contemporary Nigeria.
In “Nneka the Pretty Serpent” (1994), Onwenu starred in a movie that merged tradition with contemporary concepts and she left a lasting impression in the royal intrigue-focused “The King’s Throne” (2000). Her roles in the family- and generation-focused drama “Mummy’s Daughter” (1997) and the psychological drama “A Place in the Stars” (1995) solidified her status as one of Nollywood’s most renowned actresses.
In Imo State, Nigeria, Onyeka Onwenu held the position of Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism under the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She participated in several programs that developed the state’s tourism and cultural heritage during her time there in the early 2000s. Her position stood out for emphasizing the use of cultural assets to promote tourism and local development.
Onwenu’s impact was not limited to the entertainment sector. She was an outspoken supporter of social and political reform who used her position to speak out on behalf of causes like women’s rights and education.
At the age of 72, Onyeka Onwenu passed suddenly on July 31, 2024. She had fallen during a performance at Stella Okoli’s 80th birthday celebration. She passed away in Lagos State’s Reddington Hospital. Her public, colleagues, and political personalities showed their condolences for her passing.
Dr. Mrs. Stella Okoli is a well-known businesswoman and pharmacist from Nigeria. At Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a significant pharmaceutical firm in Nigeria, she serves as CEO.
Top Nigerian personalities and organizations like The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Former Lagos state Governorship aspirant Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Netflix, have publicly mourned the legend.
The Punch newspaper reported that her children have signed publicly issued a statement concerning her death. The family expressed their gratitude to those who supported Onyeka in her final moments, including “Mr. Peter Obi, Mr and Mrs John Momoh, and Mr and Mrs Okonkwo as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr Okpara all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole us soon after her passage.
