Nigerians have once more been thrown into a state of mourning following the demise of music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
Glamsquad reported earlier that the iconic performer collapsed after taking the stage at Stella Okolie’s 80th birthday celebration in Lagos. Onyeka was taken to Reddington Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Sources close to the family, speaking anonymously to the media, revealed that she had attended a friend’s birthday party and performed on stage. After her performance, she returned to her seat but suddenly collapsed. Emergency services were called immediately, and she was taken to a hospital on Victoria Island, where she tragically passed away.
Mourning her death, veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor described Onyeka Onwenu’s death as both painful and deeply hurtful, highlighting their close friendship. She also voiced concern about the increasing frequency of deaths in the country, questioning the underlying causes.
She wrote,
“Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and for the fact that she was not sick.
“How can everyone be dying like that, what is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country.”
The President, Bola Ahmed also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Ms. Onyeka Onwenu.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Tinubu reflected on Ms. Onwenu’s remarkable legacy as a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician. The statement noted that the President mourned the loss of “the Queen of Songs,” whose uplifting and melodic rendition of “One Love” in the 1990s inspired a spirit of unity and harmony.
President Tinubu recalled the late Onyeka Onwenu’s significant contributions to the public good, including her iconic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on the family planning anthem “Wait for Me” in the 1980s.
He celebrated her versatile talent, which brought joy to many, and extended his condolences to the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and her fans. The President prayed for her soul’s peace and affirmed that her legacy lives on through her timeless works.
Also, singer Omawumi took to her Instagram page to share a candlelight photo with a heartbroken emoji.
Actress Regina Askia posted her picture on her Instagram page, expressing heartbreak over her demise.
Fuji singer Malaika prayed for her soul to rest in peace. He wrote: “Wow, May her soul rest in peace”
Singer, Daddy Showkey wrote: “Ah”
Actor Mofe Duncan wrote: “A legend has fallen”
FFK’s ex-wife, Precious Chikwendu wrote: “oh no! The elegant stallion is gone.”
Reno Omokri wrote:
I am heartbroken at the news of the death of veteran singer, broadcaster, and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, at 72. I knew her, and we bonded over my love for her music, which added value to my early years. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to collaborate with her and Panam Percy Paul on a charity single I executive produced. She was called the Elegant Stallion for a reason. And the reason is that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence. Onyeka Onwenu was a great asset to Nigeria and a significant star on the African continent and beyond. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace!
Onyeka Onwenu: January 31, 1952-July 31, 2024: Gone but never to be forgotten.
