Seunfunmi Joshua
Nigeria legendary singer, songwriter, actress, journalist and activist, Onyeka Onwenu was confirmed dead on Tuesday, July 30, in Lagos. She reportedly collapsed after playing at Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO Stella Okolie’s 80th birthday celebration.
The legendary singer was then rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she passed on.
Onyeka Onwenu, popularly known as the “Elegant Stallion,” is a name that resonates with grace, talent, and resilience. Her profound influence on African culture and entertainment cannot be overstated.
In this blog, we take a look at the life and times of Onyeka Onwenu, delving into her early beginnings, her rise to stardom, and her impactful work as an activist.
Early Life
Onyeka Onwenu was born in May 1952 in Arondizuogu, a major town in Ideato North, Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. However, she was raised in Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State. She was the youngest daughter of D. K. Onwenu, a Nigerian educationist and politician, who tragically died in a car accident when she was just four years old, one week before his appointment as Minister for Education.
Education
Onyeka Onwenu earned a degree in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and a Master’s in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York.
In 1980, she completed her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Career Beginnings
After leaving her role as a Tour Guide at the United Nations to rejoin the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1981, Onyeka Onwenu became a prominent advocate for the Niger Delta.
In the same year, she began her music career with her debut album, “For the Love of You,” which enjoyed significant success in the 80s and 90s. In an interview with On Air Personality Vimbai on Channels TV, she noted, “it was a no brainer really, everyone who knew me growing up knew that I had the talent which I inherited from my maternal grandfather and my mother being who she was knew I would end up doing what I was doing”.
Onwenu also ventured into film, making her mark in Nollywood with a career spanning over 30 years. Notable films she starred in include Half of a Yellow Sun, Muna, and Lion Heart.
Major Contributions And Achievements
Onyeka Onwenu made significant contributions and achieved numerous milestones throughout her career, earning her the nickname “The Elegant Stallion.”
Some of her major contributions and achievements are highlighted below:
- She authored the globally famous BBC/NTA documentary on corruption in Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, in 1984.
- Two of her evergreen songs recorded with KSA which were sponsored by UNAIDS helped create awareness about HIV/AIDS in the 90s.
- She received the award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
- She was made a member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
- Onwenu was an advocate for women’s rights and humanitarian causes, including supporting widows through her song “Rise Up.”
- She participated in Nigerian politics and public service. She was the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja from 2013 to 2014.
- She received numerous awards, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
- Onwenu protested against NTA for unpaid royalties and engaged in a hunger strike, which led to a resolution of the issue.
- Onyeka Onwenu garnered multiple honours for her work in music and advocacy. These include Nigerian national honours such as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and accolades at different music award ceremonies.
Personal Life
Many people know little about Onyeka Onwenu’s marital life. She was married to a Muslim Yoruba man, Mr. Ogundele, and they had two sons, Tijani and Ibrahim Ogundele, with Ibrahim later changing his name to Abraham.
Impact and Legacy
Onyeka Onwenu, a celebrated Nigerian icon, has made significant contributions across music, film, journalism, and activism. Her pioneering sound, blending pop with traditional African rhythms, produced hit songs like “Ekwe” and “One Love,” which resonated widely and addressed social issues.
As a versatile Nollywood actress, she starred in notable films such as “Half of a Yellow Sun,” inspiring many young women to pursue acting.
In journalism, her impactful documentaries, including “Nigeria, A Squandering of Riches,” established her as a credible voice advocating for transparency. Onwenu’s activism extends to women’s rights, where she served as the Executive Director of the National Centre for Women Development, championing initiatives for women’s advancement.
Through her diverse contributions, Onwenu has promoted Nigerian culture globally, becoming a role model for aspiring artists and professionals. Her legacy as a trailblazer and cultural ambassador continues to influence and uplift the Nigerian cultural landscape, making her a true national treasure.
Reactions
The media has seen a multitude of reactions from public figures, fellow entertainers and the general public both within Nigeria and internationally, all commemorating the Nigerian icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
Final Thoughts
Onyeka Onwenu’s story exemplifies the power of creativity and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. As we look to the future, let her life inspire us to follow our passions, advocate for justice, and contribute positively to our communities. Celebrating Onyeka Onwenu is a celebration of the boundless potential within each of us to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.
Her life and career remind us that true greatness lies not only in personal success but also in uplifting others and making a meaningful impact on the world.
