By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The famous Nigerian songs writer, singer, broadcaster, actress, politician, Onyeka Onwenu, is dead.
She died at the age of 72.
She was reported to have slumped after performing at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli and she immediately taken to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos where she was confirmed dead.
According to a witness who broke the news, said “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.
“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,”.
However, the family is yet to issue a statement to that effect.
Newstracktoday reports that Onyeka Onwenu is a Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Television Journalist and Social Critic and Politician.
She was the immediate past Director General of the National Center for Women Development in Abuja, Nigeria.
This government parastatal, which she managed for two and a half years, is responsible for Advocacy, Promotion, Research on issues concerning Women in Nigeria, as well as Training and Skills Acquisition Programs in such areas as ICT, Small Business Start-Ups, Catering, Dress Making, Knitting, etc.
In 1981, with the release of her first Album, Endless Life, she had described her MUSIC As “African Pop”.
Decades later, that description is still apt. You will hear traces of Highlife, Afrobeat, Blues, Jazz, Igbo Spiritual and even Juju, a typical Yoruba beat.
Her Music speaks to the listener about the central and humanistic values of love, unity, peaceful coexistence, respect for the rights of all as well as pride in oneself.
She was nominated Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, More
Awards: Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
The “One love, keep us together” crooner will be greatly missed by Nigerians especially at this trying time in our nation.
