By Yetunde Oke
Nigerian legendary and veteran singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, was born on 31st of January 1952. She hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North, Imo State and was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
She is the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who tragically passed away in an auto crash when she was just four years old, a week before he was appointed Minister for Education.
She graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, with degrees in International Relations and Communication, and earned a master’s degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York.
Onwenu’s impressive career spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics.
Known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, she earned the nickname “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian press.
Before her music career, Onyeka worked as a journalist for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), gaining recognition for her investigative reporting on social issues. In 1984, while at NTA, she authored the globally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary on corruption in Nigeria, titled “A Squandering of Riches.”
In 2000, Onwenu protested against her former employer NTA, over its refusal to pay royalties on her songs and after then-director General Ben Murray-Bruce blacklisted her from the transmission, she embarked on a hunger strike outside the stations.
Onwenu’s activism attracted widespread support from various artistes, including Charly Boy, who lambasted Nigeria’s reluctance to pay royalties when songs are broadcast on television and radio. NTA resolved to settle the issue amicably, but denied barring Onwenu from appearing on their channels.
Onyeka’s debut album, “For the Love of You,” was released in 1981 and featured songs in both English and Igbo, showcasing her versatility.She was known for blending traditional African music with contemporary pop, singing in both English and Igbo, which made her music accessible to a wide audience.
Some of her most iconic songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” “You and I,” and “Ekwe,” which have become classics in Nigerian music.
Onyeka Onwenu also had a notable collaboration with King Sunny Ade. Their professional relationship was marked by the release of the hit song “Wait for Me” in 1984, which became a significant success in Nigeria.
Apart from singing, Onyeka appeared in several Nollywood films, often portraying strong female characters. Notable films include “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Muna,” and “Mothers-in-Law.”
Onwenu was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. She contested twice to become the Local Council Chairman of her local government and lost at both attempts, but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor, Ikedi Ohakim.
In September 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onwenu has received numerous awards for her contributions to music, acting, and public service. She was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. She also received the award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011and numerous accolades at various music award ceremonies.
Onwenu notably kept her personal life private and refused to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband, a Yoruba with whom she bore two children Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende.
Onwenu and Fela Kuti, were also a subject of rumours regarding a romantic relationship.Despite the widespread speculation, Onyeka Onwenu consistently denied any romantic involvement with Fela Kuti.
Also, in her autobiography “My Father’s Daughter,” she addressed the rumours directly, clarifying that while she had great respect for Fela and admired his musical talent and activism, their relationship was purely professional and based on mutual respect.
However, the news of her sudden death hit the news on Tuesday, 30th of July. According to report, she died after playing at a birthday event in Lagos State.
In a reflection shared three years ago, the veteran singer and actress revealed how she would like to be remembered and buried.
According to her, she wants a quick, quiet and private burial devoid of unnecessary fanfare.She urged her loved ones to mourn, but not excessively, and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.
She is survived by her two children, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende.
