Renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress Onyeka Onwenu passed away on Tuesday shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.
The celebrated music icon collapsed at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after falling ill during a private function. According to sources close to the family, Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform. Shortly after returning to her seat, she suddenly collapsed.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived and rushed her to the hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight. After performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”
Onwenu,72, was a multi-talented artist whose career spanned over four decades. She was not only a singer but also an actress, journalist, and politician.
Her music blended genres like reggae, pop and highlife. It often addressed social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
Onwenu was also known for her political activism. She was chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Earlier this year, Onwenu revealed she was producing a movie chronicling her experiences in the music industry spanning several decades. She expressed her excitement to share her personal story and how Nigerian music has evolved over time.