12 Things To Know About Late Onyeka Onwenu (Pictures)

Nigeria has been caught up in mourning following the shocking passing of legendary Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu.

According to reports, Onyeka Onwenu slumped on Tuesday, after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Video clips from the event where she last performed before she slumped showed that she was full of life while she entertained her audience.

Here are twelve things to know about the late, multidimensional iconic queen, Onyeka Onwenu….

1. Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State.

2. She was a Nigerian broadcast journalist, singer-songwriter, actress, politician, human rights and social activist, and former X Factor series judge.

3. Onwenu began her broadcast career in 1980 as a corper with the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, in Lagos. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary, ‘Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches.’ She also worked as a TV presenter, hosting the shows Contact (1988) and Who’s On? (1993) both on NTA Network.

4. She possessed a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York.

5. The ‘Elegant Stallion’ began her recording career in 1981 while still with the NTA, releasing the album ‘For the Love of You.’ She went on to release four other albums; ‘Endless Love’, ‘In The Morning Light’ (1984), ‘Dancing In The Sun’ (1988), ‘Onyeka!’ (1992). In the 90s Onyeka made a transition to gospel music. In 2013, Onwenu served as one of the three judges on X Factor Nigeria.

6. Onyeka Owenu was very close to King Sunny Ade and did a couple of songs with him.

7. She made her acting debut in Zik Zulu Okafor’s ‘Nightmare’ in 1999. In 2006 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the movie ‘Widow’s Cot.’ Onwenu starred in the 2014 movie ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’ with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton. She was in Netflix’s first Nigerian Original film ‘Lion Heart’ (2018). She has acted in dozens of Nollywood movies.

8. In politics, Onwenu was appointed as the Chairperson..of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim. She later appointed the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2013. She contested twice to become the Chairman of her Local Government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State and lost at both attempts.

9.Onyeka Onwenu has received numerous awards for her contributions to music and advocacy. These include the Nigerian national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and recognition at various music award events..

10. In addition to her public advocacy, Onyeka has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria. She has been a voice for the voiceless and continues to impact society positively.

11. She kept her family life private. She was married to a Yoruba Muslim who is now her ex husband. Not much is known about him except that she had two children with him.

12.  Onwenu died at the age of 72 after a lively performance at Stella Okoli’s birthday.

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