Tragedy has hit the Nigerian entertainment industry as the news of the death of iconic singer, Onyeka Onwenu broke in the early hours of Wednesday, the 31st of July.
She was said to have slumped on Tuesday night after performing at the birthday party of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals at Banana Island in Lagos. She was 72 years old.
Swifte Radio News gathered that she was rushed to a hospital in Victoria Island where she was confirmed dead. Members of her family are yet to confirm her death.
Onwenu, who is a trained journalist, also ventured into politics where she served as Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development.
She was born in 1952, at Obosi, in Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. There have also been numerous albums and singles to her credit, including the hit song “One Love.”
Onwenu has also featured in several Nollywood movies and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and the movie industry. She will be remembered as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics. She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
Onwenu has been recognized for her contributions to Nigerian society. She was awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. She has also been recognized as one of the most influential women in Nigeria by various organizations.