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.