Legendary Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress and journalist, Onyeka Onwenu is dead.
The iconic singer reportedly died Tuesday night after performing at an event on Banana Island, Lagos. She was 72.
Onwenu, affectionately called the “Elegant Stallion,” was said to have slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
According to reports, she was later confirmed dead at the Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island. Her family is yet to confirm the death.
Onyeka Onwenu, from Arondizogu in Imo State, was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
Onwenu acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She was recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu was also 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 was recognized for her contributions to Nigerian society, including being awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. Various organisations also recognised her as one of the most influential women in Nigeria.
