Nigeria has been thrown into mourning once more as the news of the death of veteran singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, swept through social media in the late hours of Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
The singer was reported to have slumped while performing at a scheduled event and thereafter was rushed to a hospital where she was confirmed dead.
To a lot of Nigerians, especially the younger generation, Onyeka Onwenu is a singer who gathered fame in the 80s and 90s and has stayed relevant since then.
However, Onyeka Onwenu was a maestro in a lot of things of which singing and acting were just two of them.
Here are 5 interesting facts about the late songstress;
Fantastic Education Qualifications:
Onyeka Onwenu did not just venture into entertainment. She was well-grounded in the academic world with some very impressive certificates and qualifications. She possesses a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts. Onwenu also possesses an MA in Media Studies from the New York School for Social Research.
United Nations Career:
Before returning to Nigeria in 1980 after acquiring spectacular certifications, Onwenu had a brief career working for the United Nations tour guide. She only had to leave the job to complete her compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria.
Broadcasting Career:
Upon her return to Nigeria, Onwenu observed her NYSC year at the prestigious Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). This marked the beginning of a stellar broadcasting career. She was offered full employment after her service year and her impact at NTA would never be forgotten. Onwenu had an influence as a reporter and newsreader while working for the NTA. She was the author and presenter of the critically praised BBC/NTA documentary Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, which was released in 1984 and went on to become the canonical work on corruption in Nigeria. Additionally, she hosted two TV shows on the NTA Network: Who is On? In 1993 and Contact in 1988.
Music Career:
Onwenu started her music career as a secular musician. However, she transitioned into gospel music in the 90s and a large number of her songs were self-written. She started her singing career in 1981 while still employed by the NTA. Onwenu dedicated her hit song, ‘Dancing In The Sun’ to Winnie Mandela and performed it live in 1990 when Nelson Mandela and Winnie visited Nigeria after his release from prison. Onwenu was one of the three judges of the famous singing competition, X Factor Nigeria in 2013. She released over five studio albums including Onyeka, and Dancing In The Sun, among others. Her hit songs include Ekwe, One Love, among others.
Acting Career:
Onwenu is Widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential actors of all time in the African film industry. The first movie she featured in, ‘Nightmare’ was released in 1999. Since then, she has featured in numerous films including ‘Widows Cot’ which earned her the 2006 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and ‘Rising Moon’ which earned her the 2006 nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the same awards ceremony. She also featured in blockbusters like Half of a Yellow Sun, and the first Netflix Original film produced in Nigeria, Lion Heart.
Here are two bonus facts about the legendary actress and singer:
Political Career:
Onwenu was an active politician who was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She ran twice for the position of Local Council Chairman in Imo State’s Ideato North Local Government Area. Unfortunately, Sadly, she was unsuccessful in her two attempts. However, former Imo State governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, named her Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. She was named Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development on September 16, 2013, by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Protests Against The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA):
In 2000, due to NTA’s failure to pay Onwenu royalties for her songs, she staged protests against the company.
She proceeded on a hunger strike outside the station’s premises after she was banned from broadcast by then-director general Ben Murray-Bruce. Many musicians, who criticised Nigeria for not paying royalties for songs played on radio and television, lent their support to Onwenu’s quest. NTA decided to handle the dispute amicably, and after six days, when Onwenu and NTA reached a royalty agreement, the demonstration was called off.
Indeed, Nigeria and Africa mourn the demise of a stallion, a true symbol of authenticity and dignity.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.