Nigeria mourns the loss of Onyeka Onwenu, the esteemed singer, songwriter, actress, and activist, who passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 72. Onwenu collapsed after performing at a birthday celebration for Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Banana Island, Lagos. She was rushed to a hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later confirmed dead.
Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She hailed from Arondizuogu in Imo State but grew up in Port Harcourt. She was the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D.K. Onwenu, who died in an auto crash when she was four years old.
Education and Early Career
Onwenu pursued higher education in the United States, earning a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and a master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York. She began her career at the United Nations in New York as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980. She completed her mandatory one-year National Service at the NTA, making a significant impact as a reporter.
In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria, A Squandering of Riches,” which became a definitive film on corruption in Nigeria and the Niger Delta’s environmental challenges. Onwenu also hosted TV shows such as “Contact” and “Who’s On?” on the NTA Network and served on the NTA board. She was affectionately nicknamed ‘The Elegant Stallion’ by the media.
Music Career
Onwenu’s music career began in 1981 with the release of her first album, “For the Love of You,” while she was still working with the NTA. She followed it with albums such as “Endless Life,” “In The Morning Light,” and “One Love.” She collaborated with jùjú artist Sunny Ade on tracks like “Madawolohun (Let Them Say)” and “Choices,” which was endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.
Her transition to Christian/gospel music saw her continuing to address social issues like HIV/AIDS, peace, and women’s rights. In 2000, she protested against NTA for not paying royalties on her songs, leading to a successful agreement after a six-day hunger strike.
Political Career and Public Service
A member of the People’s Democratic Party, Onwenu ran twice for Council Chairman of Ideato North in Imo State. Although she did not win, she was appointed Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. In 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Acting Career
Onwenu was also a prolific actress, debuting in the film “Nightmare” and earning accolades such as the Africa Movie Academy Award for “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” for “Widow’s Cult.” She starred in notable films like “Half Of A Yellow Sun” and “Lionheart.”
Awards and Recognition
Onwenu received numerous awards, including the “Nigerian Woman of Distinction” Award in 2010 and the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2003. She was celebrated for her contributions to music, film, and cultural administration.
Autobiography
In 2020, Onwenu released her memoir “My Father’s Daughter,” revealing personal details about her life, including her experiences with feminism, politics, and a failed marriage. The memoir is set to be adapted into a TV series directed by Izu Ojukwu.
Personal Life
Onwenu was a private person, only recently revealing that she was once married to a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she had two sons, Tijani and Ibrahim (who later changed his name to Abraham).
Onyeka Onwenu’s legacy as a journalist, singer, activist, actress, and author will continue to inspire and influence future generations. Her contributions to Nigerian society and culture have left an indelible mark, and she will be deeply missed.
