President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday extended his condolences to the family of the late Ms. Onyeka Onwenu.
“Onwenu was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician,” the President said in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President said her edifying and mellifluous rendition, One Love, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
The President recalled the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting public good.
He noted her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me,’ a campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
“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.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste,” said the statement.
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I’m downcast and hurt -Patience Ozokwor
Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, says she is downcast and hurt by the news of the death of music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday in Lagos.
She was said to have been rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she reportedly passed away.
Reacting to Onwenu’s death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu, Ozokwor described it as painful and hurting.
“Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and for 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,” she said.
Nigeria’s creative family has lost a colossus -Okoroji
Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has expressed deep shock and devastation at the news of the death of iconic singer, Onyeka Onwenu.
Okoroji, reacting to the death of Onwenu, on Wednesday, said, “Nigeria’s creative family has lost a colossus.”
He added: “The Nigerian nation has lost an icon. Onyeka Onwenu was an incredibly talented Nigerian woman in many ways. Her passion for excellence remains unequalled.”
Okoroji, who said he had a close working relationship with Onwenu, described her as a dear friend and a passionate advocate for excellence in the Nigerian music industry.
He recalled their collaborations, including her role as vice president during his tenure as president of PMAN, her service on the Board of Performing and Mechanical Rights Society (PMRS), and contributions to the Board of COSON.
“This is shocking beyond words. Despite our differences in recent times, everyone knows that Onyeka was my dear friend and worked very closely with me in promoting the Nigerian music industry,” he said.
Okoroji fondly remembered the week-long celebration of Onwenu’s 25 years in the industry, with the theme: All for Onyeka, which he conceived, funded, and produced with his friend, Patrick Doyle.
He praised Onwenu’s incredible talent, passion for excellence, and unequalled commitment to her craft.
“Onyeka Onwenu was an incredibly talented Nigerian woman in many ways. Her passion for excellence remains unequalled.
“I have just written a tribute on the excellent biography of Ken Calebs-Olumese, the Niteshift Guv’nor who just celebrated his 80th birthday. In the tribute, I mentioned Onyeka Onwenu.
“Not knowing that while I was writing, my friend was in a battle for her life.”
Okoroji acknowledged that while Nigeria will produce other successful female singers, Onyeka Onwenu’s unique impact and legacy cannot be replicated.
Ayuba, Femi Kuti, Charly Boy, others pay tribute
Legendary Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, on Wednesday mourned Onyeka Onwenu, Nigeria’s music legend, who died on Tuesday at the age of 72.
Ayuba, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said Onwenu’s immense contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry would always be revered.
“I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit, good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.
“Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts on Nigeria entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Also, Nigerian singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, took to X, formerly Twitter, to pay tribute to late Onwenu.
He wrote: “The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry.
“Onwenu’s death follows the recent passings of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria.
“Onwenu’s legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations.
Oh! My sister, Rest In Peace 😢.”
Similarly, Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, expressed shock at the death of Onwenu.
“Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu 🕊💔🕊.
“Rest in peace Ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Nigerian ‘Galala’ singer, Daddy Showkey, with a display of the deceased’s picture on his Instagram page, wrote: “RIP Great Legend Onyeka Onwenu.
“Nobody know the news wey you go hear when you wake up in morning.”
NAN reports that Onwenu was born in 1952.
She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.
Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics.
She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
She was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
NAN reports that Nigeria’s music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly dubbed as the “Elegant Stallion”, has died at the age of 72.
Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday.
She was said to have been rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she reportedly passed away.
A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight. After performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onwenu was born in 1952.
She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.
Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics.
She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
She was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. (NAN
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