By Uche Amunike
Nigerians woke up to the shocking news of the death of veteran musician and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly, known as the ‘Elegant Stallion’, on Tuesday night, in Lagos, after she slumped and was rushed to the Reddington Hospital, in Victoria Island, Lagos where she died.
According to news reports, she had just finished performing at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli, Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals when she suddenly slumped.
Former Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has mourned the iconic Onyeka Onwenu through his official X page. He stated that Nigeria has lost a great artist who used her music to spread messages of love and peace.
His words: ‘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.’
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has also mourned the late musician. He stated that the late Onyeka Onwenu elevated music and art history with her natural charm and stage presence.
Hear him: ‘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.’
He further stated: ‘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.’
The late Onyeka Onwenu, apart from being a musician and actress, was also a journalist, human rights activist and politician. She was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but lost the election at her two attempts to become the Local Government Chairman of the Ideato North Local Government Area.
She was eventually appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim.
During the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, she was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Women Development.
Onyeka Onwenu was a successful singer, having sold millions of records and having acquired several awards during her active recording years in the 80s and 90s when she created hits like One Love, You and I, Bia Nulu, Ekwe and Iyogogo. She also did duets with the legendary King Sunny Ade, ‘Wait for Me’ and ‘Choices’.
She also won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in the movie, ‘Women’s Cot.’
She is survived by her siblings and two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham.
