Onyeka Onwenu, the celebrated Nigerian singer, broadcaster, and actress affectionately known as the 'Elegant Stallion,' passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72. The veteran artist died at a hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, after collapsing during a performance at the birthday celebration of Stella Okoli, the founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. While the official cause of death has not yet been disclosed, her sudden passing has left a void in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Here are some key highlights from the remarkable life of Onyeka Onwenu:

  1. Early Life and Education:

    • Born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Onyeka Onwenu was a multi-talented figure who excelled in various fields. She obtained a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York.

  2. Broadcasting Career:

    • Onwenu began her career as a broadcaster in Lagos in 1980 with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She gained international recognition for her 1984 BBC/NTA documentary, "Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches." She also hosted television series such as "Contact" (1988) and "Who's On?" (1993) for the NTA Network.

  3. Music Career:

    • Known for her powerful voice and poignant lyrics, Onwenu launched her music career in 1981 with the album "For the Love of You." She released several other albums, including "Endless Love," "In The Morning Light" (1984), "Dancing In The Sun" (1988), and "Onyeka!" (1992). In the 1990s, she transitioned to gospel music. She also served as a judge on the 2013 Nigerian edition of X Factor.

  4. Acting Career:

    • Onwenu made her acting debut in 1999 with Zik Zulu Okafor's "Nightmare." She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2006 for her performance in "Widow’s Cot." She appeared in notable films like "Half of a Yellow Sun" (2014), alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, and Netflix's first Nigerian original film, "Lionheart" (2018).

  5. Political Involvement and Activism:

    • Onwenu was an advocate for women's rights and social justice. She was appointed the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women’s Development in 2013. She also ran for the position of Chairman of the Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo State twice, though she was not elected.

  6. National Honors:

    • In recognition of her contributions to Nigerian society, Onwenu was awarded the National Honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

  7. Personal Life:

    • Onwenu was a private individual, especially regarding her personal life. She was a mother of two, and little is known about her ex-husband, who was a Yoruba Muslim.

  8. Passing and Legacy:

    • Onyeka Onwenu passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a rich legacy in music, broadcasting, and activism. Her life and career touched many, and her contributions to the arts and society will be remembered for generations to come.