Onyeka Onwenu (1952-2024)

The sudden death of Onyeka Onwenu touched many Nigerians across the country and beyond mainly due to her multifaceted status which facilitated her easy identification with people across diverse interests. While many people remember her as a music artist, some recollect that she was a renowned broadcaster. Yet some others knew her as a journalist of high repute.

In truth, Onwenu was more than these identities: She was a singer, songwriter, broadcaster, entertainer, Culture ambassador, politician, rights activist, artist and social influencer. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa tried to capture Onwenu’s total being thus: “Her influence on generations of artistes and fans is immeasurable. She was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a role model. Her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the music world for years to come.”

Her sudden demise on July 31, 2024, is shocking, as she was full of life until her last moments. She was one of Africa’s biggest global stars.  The music world has lost a shining star, a true legend, and a shaper of the country’s cultural identity.

Forty years ago, Onwenu launched herself into national consciousness with the documentary, Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches. That documentary brought her more popularity, evoking enthusiasm from Nigerians who were tired of the political elite’s looting of the commonwealth.

Born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State; she graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, with degrees in International Relations and Communication. She also had a master’s degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York.

Before getting into music, Onwenu worked as a journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she was known for her investigative reporting, particularly on social topics. While at NTA, she authored the globally famous BBC/NTA documentary on corruption, Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches in 1984. Her multifaceted career spanned over four decades during which she demonstrated remarkable flexibility.

All along, she showed a highly commendable commitment and consistency, mingling freely with colleagues, as she offered advice, encouragement, and wisdom, to smoothen rough path and to set a high standard.

The Director General/Chief Executive of the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN), Mayowa Ayilaran recalled that Onwenu had since the 1980s been at the forefront of the struggle for a just, rewarding and enriching copyright system, and stood firmly by MCSN during its campaign in and out of court. She staged a sit-out and hunger strike at the Nigerian Television Authority defending her copyright and those of others against infringement. She had a misunderstanding with MCSN over which she resigned from being a member but returned to the organisation following the resolution of the dispute.

For the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, “Onyeka Onwenu’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled. Her music was a testament to her innovative spirit, and her ability to bring people together through her art.”

Onwenu’s success in music and pop culture paved the way for her entry into movies when Nollywood exploded in the 1990s. Her iconic nickname, ‘elegant stallion’, was borne out of entertainment journalism and became a brand she proudly identified with until her death.

Reputed for her unique combination of traditional African music and contemporary pop, Onwenu’s music blended genres such as highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressing social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include One Love, Iyogogo and Ekwe, all classics in the Nigerian music scene. Her love for ballads and songs about women’s rights was a soothing balm during Nigeria’s rocky 1980s and 90s. Her hit song, You and I, was repurposed for the 1999 movie, Conspiracy – which she also starred in – and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic soundtracks of Nollywood.

In 1989, she recorded the popular duet, Choices, which centres on ‘consent and birth control’ with juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade (KSA). The record, a stunningly bold move in Nigeria has remained largely conservative decades after.

In My Father’s Daughter, her 2021 memoir, Onwenu revealed that after the release of Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti from one of his numerous detentions, he asked her to marry him, a request she emphatically turned down, although with good humour. “I told him that I was a jealous lover and would not be able to cope as an appendage to his harem,” she wrote.

“People often described her as being something of a tough nut. I’ll say this: she was even harder on herself. She pushed herself hard and expected the same from others. She was more than a client; she was my big sister and heroine,” said Ed Keazor, a lawyer and historian, who had known Onwenu for more than two decades and represented her in the mid-1990s.

Before switching to become a gospel singer in the 1990s, the late music maverick released four albums and was awarded national honours by Nigeria in 2003 and 2011. These include Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and accolades at various music award ceremonies.

As an actress, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ for her performance in the movie, Widow’s Cot in 2006. She was also nominated that same year for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ in the movie, Rising Moon.

The late British-Nigerian film-maker, Biyi Bandele, cast her in the 2013 film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, Half of a Yellow Sun. Five years later, she also starred in Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart, Nigeria’s first Netflix original, alongside Nkem Owoh, her co-star in Conspiracy.

As a politician, Onwenu contested twice for the Council Chairman of her Local Government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and lost at both attempts, but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development, FCT, Abuja.

In recognition of her contribution to music and arts in Nigeria, she was celebrated by professionals including Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Laolu Akins, Charles O’Tudor, and former Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) President, Tony Okoroji, among others, in the arts and creative industry.

No doubt, Onwenu has left a big void that will be difficult to fill in the music and entertainment industry. Nigerians will sorely miss her for her multi-talents.