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Read about Onyenka Onwenu, musician, activist and actress that ruled the waves for 50years

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

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.”

Acting Career: She has also made a significant mark in Nollywood, starring in numerous films and television series. Half of a Yellow Sun, Lion Heart, Muna, and many others.

Politics: Onwenu ventured into politics, serving as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

Advocacy and Humanitarian Work: She is an advocate for women’s rights and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, focusing on issues like maternal health and child welfare.

Awards and Recognition: Onwenu has received numerous awards for her contributions to music, acting, and public service.

Legacy: Known for her powerful voice and stage presence, Onwenu remains an influential figure in Nigerian entertainment and culture.

Onwenu: politics, activism
Onwenu is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. She has contested twice to become the Local Council Chairman of her local government and lost at both attempts, but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

She was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Also, she received the award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

In 2000, Onwenu protested against her former employer NTA over their refusal to pay royalties on her songs and after then-director general Ben Murray-Bruce blacklisted her from the transmission, she embarked on a hunger strike outside the stations.

Onwenu’s activism attracted widespread support from various artists, including Charly Boy, who lambasted Nigeria’s reluctance to pay royalties when songs are broadcast on television and radio. NTA resolved to settle the issue amicably but denied barring Onwenu from appearing on their channels.

She made a very touching viral BBC short documentary about Nigeria 40 years ago, where she stated that nothing seems to have changed in how we manage our economy, politics, leadership, etc. It’s like Nigeria has been in a cycle since Independence. It was titled, “A Squandering of Riches.”

Onwenu notably keeps her personal life private and often refuses to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she bore two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

Onwenu, Fela’s rumoured saga
Onwenu and Fela Kuti, two iconic figures in Nigerian music, were often the subject of rumours regarding a romantic relationship.

Despite the widespread speculation, Onyeka Onwenu has consistently denied any romantic involvement with Fela Kuti.

She also said this in a viral podcast

Also, in her autobiography “My Father’s Daughter,” she addressed these rumours directly, clarifying that while she had great respect for Fela and admired his musical talent and activism, their relationship was purely professional and based on mutual respect.

She acknowledged that they collaborated and shared common goals in their advocacy for social and political change in Nigeria, but any suggestions of a romantic relationship were unfounded.

This clarification helped to put the longstanding rumours to rest, focusing attention instead on their significant contributions to Nigerian music and culture.

Onwenu, Sunny Ade collaborations
Onyeka Onwenu had a notable collaboration with King Sunny Ade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians. Their professional relationship was marked by the release of the hit song “Wait for Me” in 1984, which became a significant success in Nigeria.

“Wait for Me” was more than just a song; it was part of a public health campaign aimed at promoting responsible family planning and safe sex.

The duet highlighted the chemistry between Onwenu and Sunny Ade, blending her soulful voice with his distinctive juju music style.

Their collaboration brought attention to important social issues and showcased the power of music as a tool for advocacy and education.

News

FCT minister uncovers company behind Highway Manhole theft , ‘Stolen Items’ Recovered As Investigation Unfolds

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused an iron smelting company, Abuja Steel Company, of being one of the receivers of stolen manhole covers in Nigeria’s capital territory.

It was reported that some suspected criminals removing sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja had been arrested by security agencies.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communications and New Media) to the FCT Minister, in a statement on Sunday, said efforts were being made to apprehend their collaborators, especially buyers of the manhole covers.

However, Lere Olayinka in a statement on Monday accused the recycling company located along Abuja – Kaduna Road of receiving metal stolen from Abuja, stressing that ‘exhibits of interest’ have been recovered from the company and are in custody of the police.

“One iron smelting company, Abuja Steel Company, has been identified as one of the alleged receivers of the stolen manhole covers,” he said.

“Further investigations going on as to the company and others’ involvement in the removal, purchase and melting of the manhole covers,” he added.

He recalled that it was made public on Sunday that arrests and recoveries were made by both the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“The arrested persons are helping the security agencies with useful information about the buyers of the vandalized infrastructure.

“Also, as directed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, replacement of the manhole covers that were removed by the vandals commenced yesterday,” the statement added.

News

Democracy in wrong hands: Museveni’s Son, Gen. Kainerugaba, Threatens To Behead Ugandan Opposition Leader Bobi Wine

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Naijablitznews

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of Uganda’s military and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has threatened to behead opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Kainerugaba, widely regarded as the heir apparent to his father, is no stranger to controversy, frequently making provocative posts on social media.

In 2022, he faced backlash after threatening to invade Kenya, a statement he later apologised for, claiming some posts were intended ironically.

On Sunday evening, Kainerugaba took to X, asserting that his father, whom he called Mzee, was the only one preventing him from acting against Wine.

“Kabobi knows the only person protecting him from me is my father. If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today!” he wrote.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, responded in a post on X that he did not take the threat lightly, saying, “The threat by Museveni’s son (who also heads Uganda’s military) to behead me is not something I take lightly, given that many have been killed by him and his father, and considering their several attempts at my life. I refuse to be intimidated by the cowardly regime. The world is watching.”

Kainerugaba further replied, “Finally! I woke you up? Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you.”

Wine, a popular musician-turned-politician and President Yoweri Museveni’s strongest opponent, has made some serious accusations against the regime.

He accused the government of engaging in ballot stuffing and intimidation tactics during the 2021 presidential election. But Wine isn’t the only one speaking out – human rights groups have also criticized Museveni’s administration for alleged abuses, including torture and arbitrary detention. The government, however, denies these claims.

The 2021 election was marked by several irregularities, including internet shutdown and social media blockage on the day before the election.

News

Ibadan Stampede: Suspects Must Be Prosecuted– Gov Makinde Declares

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Naijablitznews

Governor Seyi Makinde has again restated the commitment of his government to ensure the prosecution of all the suspects involved in the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.

The stampede occurred during a children funfair organized by Ooni of Ife’s former wife, Naomi Ogunseyi. Olori Naomi, media personality Hamzat Oriyomi. Naomi, Hamzat and the principal of the school have been remanded in prison custody.

On Monday January 6, at the 2025 Annual Inter-faith Service for state workers, Governor Makinde addressed calls for leniency, stating that the rule of law will be upheld in Oyo State. He revealed that some individuals have argued that similar incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) did not lead to prosecutions, questioning why Oyo State should proceed differently.

“In the outgone year, we faced challenges. 2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note. On 16th January 2024, we had an explosion here in Bodija. It affected even my office. The impact was felt all around Ibadan. We’re closing it out.

And then, towards the end of the year, we had the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. 35 innocent souls were lost; may we not see such again in Oyo State.

Quite a number of people have been reaching out to me, saying, ‘Oh, this incident happened in Anambra State. It also occurred in the FCT. Nobody went to jail. Why is it that in Oyo State, some people are going to jail?’ I said, ‘Well, Oyo State is not Anambra State, and no matter how highly placed, justice must be done.’

The judiciary is here. It’s in their court. If you think you can grant bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But for the trial, the people must go on trial.

So, people come to me, and I’ve been saying to them, ‘Oyo State, even if this entire country decides not to follow the rule of law, in Oyo State, we will follow; we will dare to be different.”