Nigerian music legend and iconic artist, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, has passed away at the age of 72.
The celebrated songstress, known for her hit song “One Love Keeps Us Together,” reportedly collapsed and died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Stella Okoli, the founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after Onwenu delivered a vibrant performance at the event.
Witnesses described the moment as surreal, noting that Onwenu had just finished her set and was returning to her seat when she suddenly slumped.
“I have never seen anything like this before,” a guest at the party said .
“She performed energetically and admirably as always, and then she slumped. It is still like a dream.”
It was further gathered that efforts to revive her proved futile, as she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed and then slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital, and she couldn’t make it,” another eyewitness confirmed.
Reports indicate that the cause of death may have been a heart attack. A source who was part of the group that rushed Onwenu to the hospital mentioned that the doctors, still in disbelief, suggested keeping the body until later in the morning.
… A Life of Artistry and Activism
Onyeka Onwenu’s legacy transcends her music career. Born on January 31, 1952, in Port Harcourt, she was the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu. Her father died in a car accident when she was just four years old, leaving her mother, Hope, to raise five children alone.
Onwenu was a multi-talented individual—a singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, politician, and human rights activist. She earned 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. Before returning to Nigeria, she worked as a tour guide for the United Nations.
Her career in Nigeria began with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she became a respected newsreader and reporter. In 1984, she gained international recognition for her documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” which explored corruption and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
… Music and Cultural Impact
Onwenu’s musical journey began in 1981 with the release of her album “For the Love of You,” featuring the hit song “Hold Me Tight.” She later transitioned to gospel music, addressing social issues such as health, peace, and women’s rights in her lyrics. Her album “One Love,” released in 1986, became a classic, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Sunny Ade.
Beyond music, Onwenu also made her mark in the Nigerian film industry. She starred in numerous Nollywood movies, including “Widow’s Cot,” for which she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She was also known for her role in the internationally acclaimed film “Half of a Yellow Sun.”
…Political and Social Activism
Onwenu was not just an entertainer; she was a staunch advocate for social justice. She was involved in various political activities and was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013.
Her activism extended to issues of intellectual property rights, as evidenced by her 2000 protest against NTA for using her songs without permission. Onwenu’s efforts highlighted the broader struggle for artists’ rights in Nigeria.
Source :The Niche
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