Onyeka Onwenu: The story of a music icon

Some will remember her for her motherly role, some will remember her patriotism and philanthropic work, some will remember her for the classic tunes she gave, but all round Onyeka Onwenu will always be remembered as a Nigerian icon. In this feature, Weekend Trust pays tribute to the ‘Elegant Stallion’   The news of Onyeka […]

Some will remember her for her motherly role, some will remember her patriotism and philanthropic work, some will remember her for the classic tunes she gave, but all round Onyeka Onwenu will always be remembered as a Nigerian icon. In this feature, Weekend Trust pays tribute to the ‘Elegant Stallion’

 

The news of Onyeka Onwenu’s death came as a shock to many. Once again, Nigeria had lost one of its many stars who was able to put smiles on many faces either though her music, her films or her activism. In her lifetime, she took on the role of an actor, singer, broadcaster and social activist.

 

Family background and education

Although raised in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Onyeka Onwenu was born on May 31, 1952, in Arondizuogu, Ideato North, Imo State. She was born into a prominent family as her father was a well-known educationist and politician, D. K. Onwenu. Shortly before his appointment as Minister of Education, he tragically passed away in an auto crash when Onyeka was just four-years-old. Despite this early loss, Onyeka’s mother played a crucial role in nurturing her talents and ambitions.

Onyeka attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, where she studied International Relations and Communication. She later earned a Master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York. Prior to her mandated one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1980, she worked as a tour guide for the United Nations.

 

Music career

In the early 1980s, while still working with the Nigerian Television Authority, Onyeka Onwenu’s music career began with her debut album “For the Love of You.” Her music was a blend of African rhythms, pop, and soul, with lyrics often centred on themes of love, social issues, and national pride. She was known for her powerful voice and the depth of emotion she brought to her performances.

Her second album, Endless Life, included a cover of the Everly Brothers’ “Walk Right Back.” Onwenu’s 1984 album, In the Morning Light, recorded in London, featured the track “Masterplan” by Tyna Onwudiwe. In 1986, she released One Love, which included an updated version of “In the Morning Light.” She re-recorded “You and I” for the 2001 film, Conspiracy, which she and Nkem Owoh starred in.

In 1988, Onwenu’s album, Dancing in the Sun, showcased a more Afrocentric sound and included a collaboration with jùjú artist, Sunny Ade on “Madawolohun (Let Them Say).” This album, which was her last with Polygram, was dedicated to Winnie Mandela.

After moving to Benson and Hedges Music in 1992, Onwenu released the self-titled, Onyeka!, before transitioning to gospel music. Her recent work, ‘Inspiration for Change’, addresses the need for societal change in Nigeria. She also partnered with La Cave Musik and Jungle Entertainment Ventures for her collection, ‘Rebirth of a Legend’. In 2013, Onwenu appeared as a judge on X Factor Nigeria.

 

Acting career

Onyeka Onwenu’s talents were not confined to music alone. She also made significant impact in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry. She made her acting debut in the 1990s with her first movie role as Joke, a childless woman who adopted an abandoned baby in Zik Zulu Okafor’s, Nightmare, and after that, she appeared in numerous films and television series. Her roles were often characterised by strong, matriarchal figures, reflecting her real-life persona.

Some of her notable films include “Conspiracy,” “Not Your Wealth,” “Half of a Yellow Sun,” and “The Tyrant.” Her performances earned her several awards and nominations, further cementing her legacy in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

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Philanthropy and advocacy

Onyeka Onwenu was also a dedicated philanthropist and advocate. She was involved in various humanitarian efforts, particularly in the areas of women’s rights, children’s welfare, and healthcare.

In the 1980s, she worked with the United Nations as a reporter, producing documentaries on social issues such as child trafficking and the plight of women and children in Nigeria. Her documentary, “Child Prostitution in Nigeria”, brought significant attention to the issue and spurred government and societal action.

She was also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and worked with several organisations to promote gender equality and support for victims of domestic violence. Onyeka used her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote peace and unity in Nigeria.

 

Public service

Onyeka Onwenu also had a stint in public service. She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. In 2013, she was appointed as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development by then President Goodluck Jonathan. In this role, she championed various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and children in Nigeria.

 

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Onyeka Onwenu received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to music, film, and humanitarian efforts. They include; the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award, Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and various lifetime achievement awards.

 

Personal life

Onyeka Onwenu was a mother to two sons, and her dedication to family was evident in her balanced approach to her career and personal life. Despite her numerous professional commitments, she was able to maintain a close-knit family and instil the values of hard work and integrity in her children.

Onyeka Onwenu reportedly slumped during the birthday party of Stella Okoli, the founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company in Lagos, shortly after a performance. On July 30, 2024, she was pronounced dead at Lagos’s Reddington Hospital. Many said she died doing what she loved.

 

Celebrities, dignitaries, fans pay tribute

Following the announcement of her death, many celebrities, politicians and fans took to their social media handles to share their grief.

In a statement signed by the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Ahemd Tinubu expressed his condolences, stating that Ms. Onwenu’s legacy will live on through her timeless masterpieces.

Part of his statement reads, “President Tinubu celebrates the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.

“The President condoles with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.”

Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy, also highlighted Onwenu’s impact on generations of Nigerian entertainers, stating that her songs demonstrated her capacity to draw people together via her talents.

Her statement reads, “She was a true patriot who used her music to promote unity, harmony and patriotism. Her music was a reflection of our cultural values, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor also wrote, “Onyeka was not just a colleague, but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and the fact that she was not sick. How can everyone be dying like that? What is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country,”

On X, Genevieve Nnaji said, “I’m better at expressing myself through my art. “LionHeart” was born out of a desire to honour and give flowers to the legends that made my childhood beautiful and memorable, whilst they were still with us. I am so grateful she accorded me the opportunity, honour and privilege to share time and space with her. We created iconic moments that will forever be entrenched in my mind and photo memories.

Nigerian musician, Dbanj wrote, “We have lost a true Legend. Onyeka Onwenu was an extraordinary woman whose voice, talent, and spirit touched countless lives. Her contributions to Nigeria as a singer, entrepreneur, and advocate for women will forever be remembered. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Queen.

Social media personality, Enioluwa, shared a picture of Onwenu on his Instagram story with the caption, “A queen takes her last bow.”

Indeed Onyeka Onwenu stood as a beacon of hope and a true icon of Nigerian culture. Her life and career will always serve as a testament to the power of talent, determination, and commitment to making the world a better place. It was typical of Onyeka Onwenu to leave with an ovation. That was the essence of her life.