Onyeka Onwenu: A Life Dedicated To Music, Film, Social Change

Onyeka Onwenu, the “Elegant Stallion” of Nigerian music and cinema, sadly passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The singer slumped and died shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.
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As we reflect on Onyeka Onwenu’s remarkable career, we are reminded of the undeniable impact she left on the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Her musical journey

Onwenu’s musical career began in the early 1980s with the release of her debut album, Endless Life, produced by the legendary Sunny Okosun. This album was an instant hit, setting the stage for what would be a remarkable career as a singer-songwriter.

Over the years, Onwenu released a series of successful albums, showcasing her versatility and musical genius. Her 1984 album, Golden Songs Volume 1, featured 10 tracks with Onwenu as the sole vocalist. Also, she showcased her talent as a skilled songwriter in all of her albums. Her music was a blend of Afropop, Juju, and highlife.
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Additionally, she incorporated both English and local languages in her music. She made it a point to deliver socially conscious songs that were relevant to societal issues Nigeria was facing at the time.

One of Onwenu’s most iconic collaborations was her duet with the “King of Juju Music,” King Sunny Adé, on the track Madawolohun (Let Them Say) from her Dancing in the Sun album.

The song was widely accepted by listeners and was celebrated for its unique sound. Subsequently, Onwenu collaborated with King Sunny Adé on two more tracks, Wait for Me and Choices.

These tracks discussed several important social issues such as family planning and birth control. These topics were generally seen as taboo in Nigeria to discuss publicly.
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Throughout her musical career, Onwenu used her platform to address topics like HIV/AIDS, peace, and human rights. These made her widely known as an artiste-activist.

Cinematic brilliance

In addition to her remarkable musical career, Onyeka Onwenu made a significant impact on the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. She made her acting debut in 1999 with the film Nightmare and went on to star in numerous iconic roles, working alongside some of Nollywood’s most renowned actors.

Onwenu’s most acclaimed film is Women’s Cot, released in 2006. The film earned four nominations at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards, and Onwenu’s co-star, Joke Silva, won the award for Best Actress for her performance in the film. Women’s Cot is an exploration of the challenges faced by widows in Nigerian society. The film tells the story of a widow whose in-laws treat her poorly after the passing of her husband, leading her to join the widow’s cot.
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Onwenu’s filmography also includes other notable titles such as Different World, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Lionheart, among others. Her last film, Obara’M, was released in 2023. A mere glance at her filmography shows her dedication and talent as a versatile actress.

A legacy that lives on

Onyeka Onwenu’s passing is a profound loss for the Nigerian entertainment industry and the country as a whole. Through her music and her acting, she entertained thousands of Nigerians. Surprisingly, her last public appearance was a musical performance at a birthday party.

As we mourn the loss of this exceptional talent, we also celebrate the legacy she has left behind.
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