Legendary Nigerian singer, politician and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has died at the age of 72.
Our reporters who witnessed the incident said she slumped after an impressive performance at the birthday party of Stella Okoli in Lagos, on Tuesday.
The legendary singer was then rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she passed on.
While speaking with Channels Television, the spokesperson for the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), the same society to which the late singer belonged, Muhammed Ahlim, confirmed the report, however, said they were yet to get an official statement from the family.
“Yes, it is true. But we are yet to get an official statement from the family,” he told Channels Television on Wednesday.
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She has been recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics. She was appointed 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.
Onwenu has been recognised for her contributions to Nigerian society, including being awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Shehu Sani, Omokri Mourn Late Singer
Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, and ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri, have mourned legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu.
Reacting to the development in an X post on Wednesday, Sani said the country has lost a great artist who spread messages of love and peace through her music.
He wrote, “Onyeka, the nation has lost a timeless legend and a great artist who sang from the heart, spreading the messages of love and peace through music. Your melodies will forever resonate in our souls. Rest in peace.”
Also reacting in an X post, Omokri described Onwenu as an elegant stallion, saying that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.
He wrote, “I am heartbroken at the news of the death of veteran singer, broadcaster, and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, at 72. I knew her, and we bonded over my love for her music, which added value to my early years. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to collaborate with her and Panam Percy Paul on a charity single I executive produced.
“She was called the elegant stallion for a reason. And the reason is that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a great asset to Nigeria and a significant star on the African continent and beyond. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace! Onyeka Onwenu: January 31, 1952-July 31, 2024: Gone but never to be forgotten.”
