Legendary songwriter, singer, journalist and politician Onyeka Onwenu died on Tuesday, July 30, after playing at Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO Stella Okolie’s 80th birthday celebration.
Here are some quick facts about her:
- Early Life and Education: Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, with degrees in International Relations and Communication, and earned a master’s degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York.
- Family Tragedy: Her father died in a car accident when she was four years old, just a week before he was to be appointed Minister of Education.
- Journalism Career: Before her music career, Onyeka worked as a journalist for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), gaining recognition for her investigative reporting on social issues.
- Documentary Work: In 1984, while at NTA, she authored the globally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary on corruption in Nigeria, titled “A Squandering of Riches.”
- Music Debut: Onyeka’s debut album, “For the Love of You,” was released in 1981 and featured songs in both English and Igbo, showcasing her versatility.
- Musical Style: She was known for blending traditional African music with contemporary pop, singing in both English and Igbo, which made her music accessible to a wide audience.
- Popular Songs: Some of her most iconic songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” “You and I,” and “Ekwe,” which have become classics in Nigerian music.
- Acting Career: Apart from singing, Onyeka appeared in several Nollywood films, often portraying strong female characters. Notable films include “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Muna,” and “Mothers-in-Law.”
- Political Involvement: Onwenu was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja from 2013 to 2014.
- Awards and Recognition: She received multiple honours for her contributions to music and advocacy, including Nigerian national honours such as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), and numerous accolades at various music award ceremonies. She is survived by her two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham.