Reports indicate that veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress Onyeka Onwenu has passed away at the age of 72. The iconic singer died Tuesday night after performing at an event in Banana Island, Lagos. She reportedly slumped following her performance at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Victoria Island, according to The Guardian Newspaper. Her family has yet to confirm the news.
Born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, Onyeka Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s with the release of her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She went on to release numerous albums and singles, including the popular track “One Love.”
In addition to her musical career, Onwenu also had a successful acting career in Nollywood and received numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
Beyond her entertainment career, Onwenu was actively involved in politics, serving as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later becoming the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
Her contributions to Nigerian society earned her the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. Onyeka Onwenu was also recognized as one of Nigeria’s most influential women by various organizations.
