Onyeka Onwenu, born on January 31, 1952, is a renowned Nigerian figure celebrated for her multifaceted career.
Onwenu was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli.
Onwenu, who hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North, Imo State, was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
She is the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who tragically passed away in an auto crash when she was just four years old, a week before he was appointed Minister for Education.
Onwenu’s impressive career spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics.
Known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, she earned the nickname “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian press.
She served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was also a judge on the X Factor series.
Her music resonates across generations, with iconic songs like “One Love” and “You and I,” the latter popularised further by Africa Magic. Another notable song, “Ekwe,” holds a significant place in cultural history and is often remembered for its bold and somewhat combative tone, reminiscent of the struggles faced by earlier generations.
Onwenu’s legacy as a singer/songwriter, actress, and social activist continues to inspire and influence Nigerian culture and beyond.
Her songs create awareness about diverse salient issues and a recent one in 2022 was to support widows – understanding their plights in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large
Onwenu announced that her latest song titled, ‘Rise Up‘, was written and produced in partnership with the Rose of Sharon Foundation, to draw attention to the plight of widows in society.
The foundation is owned by Folorunsho Alakija, one of the richest black women in the world.
Things to know about the late Onwenu:
Early Life and Education: Born on May 17, 1952, in Oguta, Imo State, Nigeria. She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication.
Music Career: Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s, becoming known as the “Elegant Stallion.” She has released several albums, blending genres like highlife, pop, and gospel. Some of her popular songs include “One Love” and “You and I.”
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