Veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, Ms Onyeka Onwenu is dead.

According to reports, the iconic singer died Tuesday night, July 30, 2024, after performing at an event at Banana Island, Lagos. She was 72.

Onyeka Onwenu was said to have slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Mrs. Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

According to an eyewitness, after performing on stage, the iconic singer walked back to her seat, where she slumped.

“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.

The cause of death was not known as of press time. Her family is yet to confirm the death.

In a reflection shared three years ago, the veteran Nigerian singer revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.

“Do it quickly, quietly, and privately,” Onwenu wrote in an opinion piece, emphasizing that her burial should be devoid of unnecessary fanfare.

She urged her loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively,” and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.

A multi-talented artist whose career spanned over four decades, Onwenu was not only a singer but also an actress, journalist, and politician.

Her music was a blend of different genres cutting across reggae, pop, highlife, and local folklore which she was able to use to address social and political issues.

Born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You”, in 1981. She went on to release numerous albums and singles, including the hit songs “One Love”, “Iyogogo”, and “Ekwe”.

She was also known for her political activism and was at one time, the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

As an actress, she featured in top-class movies including Half of a Yellow Sun, and Lions Heart, among others.

Onwenu was recognized for her contributions to Nigerian society including being awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Nigerians Mourn Legendary Songstress

After news broke about the death of the veteran songstress, Nigerians, particularly those in the entertainment industry have taken to social media to express their condolence, wishing the multitalented performer rest in peace.

Mourning her death, singer Omawumi took to her Instagram page to share a candlelight photo with a heartbroken emoji.

Actress Regina Askia posted Onyeka Onwenu’s picture on her Instagram page, expressing heartbreak over her demise.

Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, and ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri, also mourned the legendary Nigerian singer.

Reacting to the development in an X post on Wednesday, Sani said the country has lost a great artist who spread messages of love and peace through her music.

He wrote, “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.”

Also reacting in an X post, Omokri described Onwenu as an elegant stallion, saying that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.

“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 honors 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.”
Reno Omokri

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed sadness over the death of music icon Onyeka Onwenu, describing her as a gift to her generation.

In a press statement, the governor described the late singer as “one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports”.

“Onwenu was sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting. Hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing both the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes. Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, lacing her music with messages for social revival.
“She wore many hats elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader. Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused into the many avenues she used to advocate for a more prosperous nation.”
Godwin Obaseki