Legendary Nigerian Music Icon Onyeka Onwenu Laid to Rest in Lagos

30 Aug

by Chantelle Poirier 20 Comments

A Nation Mourns: Onyeka Onwenu Laid to Rest in Lagos

On Friday, August 30, 2024, the enigmatic presence that was Onyeka Onwenu was interred at the Ebony Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, Lagos. The ceremony, marked by solemnity and privacy, mirrored the dignified life lived by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated icons. Onyeka Onwenu’s story is a tapestry interwoven with threads of music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and a fleeting but impactful foray into politics. The music world has lowered its flags for a luminary whose voice resonated with the unstoppable spirit of an ‘Elegant Stallion’, a nickname endearingly given by the Nigerian press.

Early Life and Tragic Beginnings

Born on January 31, 1952, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to parents who were equally accomplished in their own right, Onwenu's early life was not without tragedy. Losing her father, D.K. Onwenu—a respected Nigerian educationist and politician—at the tender age of four in an auto crash, provided an early brush with grief that would, in a way, define her indomitable spirit. She grew up in Port Harcourt but traced her heritage back to Arondizuogu in Imo State.

Rising Through the Ranks

Onyeka Onwenu’s journey to stardom began with her music career, where she quickly distinguished herself with powerful, resonating vocals and an equally compelling stage presence. Her songs such as ‘One Love,’ ‘You and I,’ and ‘Ekwe’ are culturally significant anthems that have stood the test of time. Her voice, so vibrant and electrifying, commanded attention, earning her widespread accolades and a dedicated following. Yet, her contributions did not stop at music. Onwenu carved out a diversified career that saw her excelling as an actress, a journalist, and an activist.

A Career Beyond Music

Onwenu's career was a mosaic of excellence. Her talents transcended the musical stage into other arenas. In 2013, she was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development by President Goodluck Jonathan, evidencing her dedication to societal reforms. Before that, she served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and even competed as a judge on the talent show X Factor, a testament to her multifaceted abilities. Her remarkable activism was perhaps epitomized by her vocal protests against the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) over unpaid royalties, a bold move that won her support from fellow artists and the general public.

An Unwavering Activist and Political Aspirant

Onwenu's passion for societal betterment saw her stepping into the political scene. Aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party, she contended for the Local Council Chairman position in her local government. Though her political journeys had limited success, they underlined her commitment to enacting positive change. It's here that Onwenu showcased her tenacity and a profound sense of responsibility toward her societal roles.

Legacy and Last Days

On July 30, 2024, Nigeria was gripped with sorrow as news broke of Onwenu’s passing at Reddington Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos. She collapsed at a birthday party for Mrs. Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, a tragic event leading to her untimely death. In the month before her demise, her contributions were still making waves, echoing the sentiment of a voice that refused to be silenced. Her accolades, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011, are testaments to her unparalleled influence.

A Lasting Influence

Onyeka Onwenu's life is a beacon of inspiration. Her protest against unpaid royalties by the NTA, her vigorous activism for human rights, and her relentless political aspirations showcase a woman of grit and grace. Her music, filled with emotive depth, continues to inspire and uplift. From her early life shaped by tragedy to soaring heights of acclaim and the poignant moment of her passing, Onyeka Onwenu’s story remains ingrained in the cultural fabric of Nigeria.

As we bid farewell to the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ her legacy endures, influencing and nurturing future generations. Her life, an artful composition of resilience and passion, continues to resonate in the albums, the legislatures, and the hearts of those who cherish her lasting contributions.

Tags: Onyeka Onwenu Nigerian music Lagos human rights activism

Chantelle Poirier

I am a seasoned journalist based in Durban, specializing in daily news coverage. My passion is to shed light on local news events and global trends. I strive to bring unbiased and factual reporting to my readers. Each story I write is crafted with meticulous attention to detail to ensure clarity and impact. Journalism is not just my job; it's a way to connect with the world.

20 Comments

Hina Tiwari

It is truly heartbreaking to see the “Elegant Stallion” taken from us so soon. I grew up listening to Onyeka’s songs, and they were the soundtrack of my youth. Her voice carried a raw power that could lift spirits even in the toughest times, a soulfulity that lingered.
Beyond the music, her activism reminded many of us that art and justice go hand‑in‑hand. Rest in peace, queen of our hearts.

WILL WILLIAMS

Onyeka’s legacy is a blazing comet that will forever light the skies of African music! Let’s keep her fire burning in every chorus we sing.

Barry Hall

Her spirit shines on forever 😊

abi rama

Listening to “Ekwe” today brings a flood of memories; her melodies act like time capsules that transport us back. Onyeka broke barriers not just with her voice but also with her fearless stance on rights. She proved that an artist can be a catalyst for societal change. May her influence continue to inspire the next generation of Naija talent.

Megan Riley

Wow-what a remarkable journey! From humble beginnings in Port Harcourt to becoming a national icon-she showed us all that perseverance pays!!! Remember, folks, every setback is a set‑up for a greater comeback-just like Onyeka’s relentless fight for royalty rights!!! Keep her spirit alive in your own creative pursuits ;)

Lester Focke

Onyeka Onwenu’s oeuvre exemplifies a confluence of artistic dexterity and sociopolitical engagement, situating her within the pantheon of cultural savants. Her tenure at the National Centre for Women Development underscores a commitment to institutional reform rarely observed among entertainers. One might posit that her brief foray into electoral politics, albeit modest in triumph, further cements her interdisciplinary legacy. In sum, her contributions resonate beyond auditory aesthetics, permeating the fabric of Nigerian civil discourse.

Naveen Kumar Lokanatha

It is instructive to examine how Onyeka leveraged her platform to advocate for equitable remuneration within the broadcasting sector. By confronting the NTA, she illuminated systemic inequities that many artists endure. Such decisive action not only benefited her contemporaries but also established a precedent for future negotiations. Her example serves as a valuable case study for policy analysts and cultural historians alike.

Alastair Moreton

Honestly, some of the hype around her activism was just media fluff-she was a singer first, not a politician. Still, you gotta admit the drama around her royalty protest was entertaining.

Surya Shrestha

One cannot overlook the intrinsic aesthetic value inherent within Onyeka’s lyrical compositions; they are, quite frankly, masterpieces of emotive resonance!!! Moreover, her strategic engagement with governmental bodies reflects a sophisticated understanding of power dynamics!!! Such duality is rare in contemporary artists.

Rahul kumar

Onyeka’s music is a great entry point for anyone wanting to explore Nigerian sounds. Grab some of her albums and you’ll feel the vibe instantly. Also check out her interviews for insights on how she balanced art and activism.

mary oconnell

Well, if you’re looking for a handbook on how to be a multi‑talented overachiever, Onyeka Onwenu’s life reads like an instruction manual. She sang, acted, wrote columns, and still found time to stir up a fuss about unpaid royalties-talk about multitasking! It’s almost as if she believed that living a single‑track career would be too boring. Her stint as a judge on X Factor proved she could spot talent while keeping an eye on the industry’s quirks. The fact that she even dabbled in local politics shows she wasn’t afraid to step into arenas where few entertainers tread. Yet, despite all these hats, she never seemed to lose that authentic voice that made “One Love” an anthem. Her activism, especially against the NTA, was a bold reminder that fame doesn’t grant immunity from standing up for what’s right. So, while some might say she spread herself too thin, others see a blueprint for impact. In any case, her legacy is a testament to the power of using a platform responsibly. Cheers to the “Elegant Stallion” for showing us that art and advocacy can indeed coexist.

Michael Laffitte

Her songs are like fireworks-explosive, unforgettable, and they light up the night of our souls! Every time I hear “You and I,” I feel a surge of pride swelling inside me. Let’s keep her memory blazing, folks.

sahil jain

Onyeka’s rhythm still pumps through the streets of Lagos-feel it in every corner! 🎶 Her courage to fight for royalty rights keeps inspiring us to stand up for ourselves. Let’s honor her by supporting local artists.

Bruce Moncrieff

It’s fascinating how her battle with the NTA set a precedent that still influences current royalty negotiations. Analyzing that shift reveals a broader pattern of artist‑engineer power balancing in the Nigerian media landscape.

Dee Boyd

While many celebrate Onyeka’s artistic achievements, we must also acknowledge that her political ambitions were largely symbolic and failed to produce tangible change. This highlights a recurring issue where celebrity involvement in politics becomes a performance rather than a solution.

Carol Wild

Honestly, I find the whole mourning of Onyeka Onwenu to be a bit overrated; sure, she had a few hits, but the music industry is saturated with talent, and she’s not exactly the singular beacon some claim her to be. First, her vocal style, while pleasant, never truly broke new ground or introduced any revolutionary techniques. Second, her activism, though well‑intentioned, seemed more like a publicity stunt than a sustained effort to overhaul systemic issues. Third, the brief stint in politics was hardly a serious endeavor; she barely made any impact and seemed to be riding on her fame. Moreover, the media’s glorification of her as an “Elegant Stallion” feels like a shallow attempt to romanticize a career that was, in many respects, conventional. Additionally, the frequent references to her as a cultural icon ignore the countless other unsung artists who truly shaped Nigerian music. It's also worth noting that the emotional narratives spun around her death are more about generating clicks than genuine tribute. While her songs may evoke nostalgia for some, they lack the lyrical depth that defines timeless classics. Furthermore, her involvement in various panels and talk shows often turned into monologues that served little purpose beyond self‑promotion. In essence, we should reserve our reverence for figures whose contributions radically transform society, not those who occasionally dip a toe in activism. That being said, I do acknowledge that she provided a platform for discussions on royalty rights, which is a modest positive. Yet, it doesn’t excuse the larger pattern of celebrity activism that fizzles out quickly. In the grand tapestry of Nigerian cultural history, her thread is perhaps not as vibrant as many would have us believe. So, while respecting the mourning, let's also keep a critical eye on the narratives we accept.

Rahul Sharma

Indeed-one must dissect the structural deficiencies in the royalty collection system that Onyeka’s protest merely scratched the surface of!!! Comprehensive reforms require legislative overhaul, transparent auditing mechanisms, and stakeholder accountability-elements that were conspicuously absent in the immediate aftermath of her campaign!!!

Emily Kadanec

Actually, if you look at the discography timelines, her most commercially successful period aligns precisely with Nigeria’s economic liberalization phase, which suggests external factors played a larger role than individual talent.

william wijaya

Even if market forces influenced her rise, the heartfelt emotions embedded in her lyrics still resonated deeply with listeners; that human connection transcends mere economics.

Lemuel Belleza

She was a notable figure, but not the sole reason for Nigeria’s music evolution.