Onyeka Onwenu is dead. According to reports the singer, songwriter and actress died Tuesday might after performing at an event at Banana Island, Lagos. She was 72.
According to an eyewitness, Onwenu slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
She was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Victoria Island, The Guardian Newspaper reported. Her family is yet to confirm the death.
Read also: How I moved on – Onyeka Onwenu
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. 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 has also acted in several Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She has been recognised 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.
Read also: Onyeka Onwenu, others on stage for the first time as Speaking Out comes to theatre in 2022
Onwenu has been 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. She has also been recognized as one of the most influential women in Nigeria by various organisations.