Veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu has died at the age of 72 on Tuesday at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos.
She slumped at the birthday party of the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli before she was rushed to the hospital where she died.
Singer well known for her songs such as One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe” was also an actress, journalist, and politician.
Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Arondizuogu, Imo State, and was raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Known as the “Elegant Stallion,” she held a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York. Onwenu initially worked for the United Nations before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to join the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Her groundbreaking work with NTA included the internationally acclaimed documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” which highlighted corruption and environmental issues in Nigeria. Onwenu transitioned from secular music to gospel in the 1990s, writing and performing songs addressing social issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness, peace, and women’s rights.
Throughout her career, Onwenu released numerous albums, including *For the Love of You*, *Endless Life*, *In The Morning Light*, and *Dancing In The Sun*. She collaborated with notable artists like Sunny Ade and was recognized for her significant contributions to the Nigerian music and film industries.
Onwenu’s acting career was equally illustrious, featuring in notable Nollywood films like *Nightmare*, *Widow’s Cot*, and *Half of a Yellow Sun*. She earned critical acclaim, including an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2006.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Onwenu was actively involved in politics and social activism. She served as Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the National Centre for Women Development by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013. Onwenu’s advocacy for artists’ rights led her to protest against the Nigerian Television Authority for unpaid royalties, a move that garnered significant support from the artistic community.
Onwenu’s legacy as a trailblazer in Nigerian entertainment and her tireless advocacy for social justice will be remembered for generations. She is survived by her family and millions of fans who will continue to celebrate her life and contributions to music, film, and society. The late Onyeka Onwenu, known as the “Elegant Stallion,” left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music and film industries.
