Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has died at the age of 72.
She was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the 80 birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli, chairman of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
TheNiche reported that an eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the news.
“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.
“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.
However, the deceased’s family has yet to announce her death as of press time.
Onwenu will be remembered for her music albums such as In The Morning Light and Dancing In The Sun.
She also featured in the Half of a Yellow Sun and Lions Heart, among others.
Veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress, Ms Onyeka Onwenu is dead.
According to reports the iconic singer Tuesday night after performing at an event at Banana Island, Lagos. She was 72.
Onwenu was said to have slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
Apart from her career in the arts, Onyeka Onwenu also had a career in politics. She served as chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She has been recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics. She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
Onwenu has been 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. She has also been recognized as one of the most influential women in Nigeria by various organisations
Below is a video clip of her last performance:
