The legendary singer, 72, passed away on Tuesday night following a performance at an event at Banana Island, Lagos. Born on January 31, 1952, she was the daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who died in an automobile accident when she was four years old, one week before he was appointed Minister for Education.
Onwenu attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and communication. Her remarkable career spanned several domains, including acting, human rights activism, music, and politics. She was dubbed “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press due to her striking voice and captivating stage presence.
In the 1980s, Onwenu launched her musical career and put out a number of records fusing pop, gospel, and highlife. Among her well-known songs are “You and I” and “One Love.” She had a big influence on Nollywood, appearing in a lot of films and TV shows like “Muna,” “Lionheart,” and “Half of a Yellow Sun,” among many others.
Onwenu, a Peoples Democratic Party member, ran twice and lost for the title of Local Council Chairman in her community. However, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim named Onwenu the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
Onwenu was known for keeping her personal life private and frequently refrained from disclosing details about her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she had two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham. In 2000, Onwenu went on a hunger strike in protest against her former employer, NTA, for refusing to pay royalties on her songs and blacklisting her from transmission after then-director general Ben Murray-Bruce took action. She was also awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
She persistently refuted rumours of a romantic relationship with Fela Kuti, stating in her autobiography, My Father’s Daughter, and a viral podcast that their relationship was based solely on respect and professionalism.
Onyeka Onwenu also collaborated with King Sunny Ade, one of Nigeria’s most well-known musicians, on the hit song “Wait for Me,” which was released in 1984 and became a huge hit in the country while also serving as a public health campaign advocating responsible family planning and safe sex.
