Legendary Nigerian Singer Onyeka Onwenu Passes Away at 72

Veteran Nigerian Singer, Songwriter, and Actress Ms. Onyeka Onwenu Passes Away

Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, passed away on Tuesday evening at Reddington Hospital in Lagos. The tragic incident occurred after she collapsed following a performance at Mrs. Stella Okoli’s birthday party.

An eyewitness present at the event confirmed the heartbreaking news to TheNiche. “It’s very sad. Onyeka Onwenu had just finished performing at Mrs. Stella Okoli’s birthday celebration on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when she suddenly collapsed. She was immediately taken to Reddington Hospital, but unfortunately, she didn’t survive,” the eyewitness recounted.

News Central TV also reported that the celebrated music icon collapsed at Reddington Hospital after becoming ill during the private function. According to sources close to the family, Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform. After returning to her seat, she suddenly collapsed. Emergency responders quickly arrived and rushed her to the hospital on Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Born on January 31, 1952, Onwenu had a multifaceted career spanning over four decades. She was not only a celebrated singer and songwriter but also an accomplished actress, journalist, and politician. Onwenu’s music, known for blending genres like highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”

Known as “The Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, Onwenu served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. In 2013, she was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. Her passing marks the end of an era for a beloved and influential figure in Nigerian culture and music.

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