Onyeka Onwenu, the iconic Nigerian singer, songwriter, journalist, and actor, tragically passed away during a live performance. The celebrated activist and author collapsed and died shortly after delivering a powerful rendition of her hit song, “One Love,” at the 80th birthday celebration of industrialist Dr. Stella Okoli.
Onwenu, often referred to as the “Elegant Stallion,” was renowned for her dedication to promoting peace and unity through her music. Her final performance was seen as a poignant farewell to her global fanbase and fellow Nigerians ahead of a proposed protest.
The legendary artist leaves behind her two sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, her ex-husband Mr. Ogunlende, as well as a large extended family and numerous fans. Her sons described her as a beacon of inspiration and hope who spread love throughout her illustrious career, which spanned over four decades.
Born in Arondizuogu, a town in Imo State’s Ideato North Local Government Area, Onwenu lost her father at the age of four. She began her career as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she made significant contributions as a newsreader and reporter. Her 1984 BBC/NTA documentary, “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” remains a definitive film on corruption in Nigeria.
Onwenu’s music career took off in 1981 with the release of her debut album, “For the Love of You.” She followed this with several other albums, including “Golden Songs Volume 1” in 1984, “Volume 2” in 1986, and “Volume 3” in 1991. Her powerful vocals and clear messages made her a household name with hits such as “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” “You and I,” “Dancing in the Rain,” “Ekwe,” and “Wait for Me,” featuring Juju legend King Sunny Ade.
In 1991, Onwenu shifted her focus to gospel music, further cementing her legacy. She also made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, featuring in over 24 movies, starting with her debut in Zik Zulu Okafor’s “Nightmare.”
The news of her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Pater Mbah (Enugu). Eminent columnist Louis Odion, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Fuji star Adewale Ayuba, Afrobeat king Femi Kuti, and singer-actor-activist Charles Oputa (aka Charly Boy) also expressed their condolences.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Ajuri Ngelale, celebrated Onwenu’s life and contributions to the entertainment industry. He recalled her artistic endeavors promoting public good, notably her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on “Wait for Me,” a campaign for family planning in the 1980s.
“The President condoles with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss,” the statement read. “President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and that she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun’.”