Veteran Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72
Reel Illustrated joins celebrities and fans to mourn the sudden loss of Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress, Onyeka Onwenu. The veteran music icon died yesterday after collapsing in the middle of a live performance at a birthday party. She was 72.
Born in 1956 in Arondizuogu, Imo State, Onwenu's decades-long music career began in the 80s; with her 1984 debut album, "In The Morning Light". Her self-penned songs advocated for peace, endurance, health, and family planning awareness (via duets with fellow music icon, King Sunny Ade), moving on to gospel in the 90s. During her time as a broadcaster on NTA, she presented a documentary, written by her: Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches.
She appeared as herself in the rested soap, The Village Headmaster, where she performed her signature song and also made a cameo appearance in Checkmate years later, as the Haatrope's children's aunt who testifies in favour of them. She made her debut film role in Nightmare, co-starring with Pete Edochie and Sandra Achums. Her other films included Chain Reaction, Conspiracy, Half of A Yellow Sun and Lion Heart.
She was also involved in politics; being the former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in 2013.
She is survived by her 2 sons.
A huge loss to Nigeria and the entertainment industry.
Onyeka Onwenu's best songs:
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