Onyeka Onwenu: 15 Essential Facts About the Late Iconic Singer and Actress

The legendary Nigerian musician and actress Onyeka Onwenu passed away on Tuesday, July 30, in Lagos. Known affectionately as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ Onwenu reportedly collapsed while performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okolie, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, and was later pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island.

Here are 15 key facts about the life and legacy of Onyeka Onwenu:

1. Early Life: Born on January 31, 1952, to the family of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu.
2. Tragic Loss: Experienced significant loss early in life when her father died in an auto accident when she was just four years old, a week before he was to become the Minister for Education.
3. Education: Pursued higher education in the United States, earning a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York.
4. Early Career: Worked for the United Nations as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to fulfill her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos.
5. Documentary Work: Produced the critically acclaimed documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches” for the BBC/NTA in 1984, highlighting corruption in Nigeria.
6. Music Career: Began her music career in 1981 while still working with NTA, releasing her debut album, “For the Love of You.”
7. Musical Evolution: Initially started as a secular artist but transitioned to gospel music in the 1990s, writing most of her songs herself.
8. Acting Debut: Debuted as an actress in the film “Nightmare” by Zik Zulu Okafor, playing the role of Joke, a childless woman who adopts an abandoned baby.
9. Nollywood Fame: Appeared in numerous Nollywood films, earning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2006 for her role in “Widow’s Cot.”
10. Recent Roles: Notable recent screen appearances include roles in the 2014 film “Half of a Yellow Sun” alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, and “Lionheart” in 2018.
11. Political Involvement: Actively involved in politics as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
12. Political Ambitions: Ran twice for the position of Chairperson of Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo State but was unsuccessful both times.
13. Cultural Contributions: Former governor Ikedi Ohakim appointed her as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
14. National Role: On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed her as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
15. Private Life: Valued her privacy and kept details about her personal life, including her marriage, confidential. She is survived by her two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham, who carry on her legacy.

Onyeka Onwenu’s life was marked by artistic excellence, public service, and personal resilience, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape.