Onyeka Onwenu Dies at 72: Nigerians Pay Heartfelt Tributes to the Legendary Icon
The news of the sudden death of veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress Onyeka Onwenu at the age of 72 has elicited heartfelt tributes from Nigerians.
According to various sources, the veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress collapsed after singing at the birthday of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday, July 30. This event was attended by dignitaries including Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State.
Although she was rushed to the hospital, she was later pronounced dead.
Nigerians Pens Touching Tribute to Onyeka Onwenu
Nze Ed Emeka Keazor, a filmmaker, described Onyeka as “invincible” and “unbreakable,” even in her most vulnerable moments.
“You always seemed to be so invincible, unbreakable, even in your most vulnerable moments. You would say, ‘Emeka nna’m, never settle for less than you are worth, never!’” he wrote on X.
Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, said that Onyeka Onwenu’s life was “marked by brilliance, poise, impeccable works, and professional candor” and that she was “proudly Nigerian.”
“Adieu Onyeka Onwenu, Nigeria’s music legend, broadcaster, actress, and social activist. Your brilliance, poise, impeccable works, and professional candor marked your stardom. You were proudly Nigerian. Thank you for incredible contributions to Nigeria. May your soul rest in peace,” the former Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria wrote.
Molara Wood, a renowned journalist and host of the Art4thepeople podcast, described her as a perennial public figure.
“Songbird died singing. Held us in her grip since the 80s and effortlessly so. One of the top-flight broadcast journalists that defined her era. Just the other day I came across her epochal documentary of the Second Republic, Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, on YouTube and breathed, thankful it had been made available for posterity.”
Music, Journalism, Acting, Human Rights Activism, and Politics: The Story of Onyeka Onwenu
Onyeka Onwenu’s life reads like a compelling novel, marked by her transitions across multiple careers in music, acting, human rights activism, social activism, journalism, and politics.
Born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, and hailing from Arondizuogu in Ideato North, Imo State, Onwenu, affectionately known as the “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, left an indelible mark on every field she ventured into.
She began her music career in the 1980s, releasing her first album, For the Love of You, in 1981. Recognized as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music, she went on to release numerous albums and singles, including the popular song “One Love.”
Onwenu also enjoyed a successful acting career in Nollywood, starring in numerous films such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Lionheart, Conspiracy, Chain Reaction, and To Love an Angel. Her contributions to music and film earned her numerous awards.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu was deeply involved in politics and activism. One of her greatest social activism feats was in 1984, when she released a scathing documentary for BBC/NTA, Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches. This documentary drew attention to and changed Nigerians’ views on corruption and the environmental degradation of the oil-rich regions.
She served as the 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. In 2011, she was honored with the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and was recognized as one of the most influential women in Nigeria.
Read: Onyeka Onwenu on ‘My Father’s Daughter’ and trauma of the civil war that have remained with her
