Veteran Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress Ms. Onyeka Onwenu has passed away. Reports indicate that she died Tuesday night after performing at an event in Banana Island, Lagos.
She was 72 years old. Onwenu reportedly collapsed following her performance at the birthday celebration of Stella Okoli, the owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
She was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Victoria Island, according to The Guardian Newspaper. Her family has not yet confirmed the death.
Born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, Onyeka Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, For the Love of You, in 1981.
She went on to release numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
In addition to her music career, Onwenu acted in several Nollywood films and received numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
She is recognized as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
Onyeka Onwenu was not only a famous singer and actress but also active in politics. In 2013, she became the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture, and in 2016, she was appointed Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development.
