FOR decades, generations of Nigerians danced to her music and loved her face in film. And now, fans of the legendary Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu have paid warm tributes to her following her passing at 72.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu led the nation in paying glowing tributes to Onwenu. Tinubu said Onwenu was a “versatile and extremely gifted artist who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.”
Last Moments of Onyeka Onwenu.
— IGBO History & Facts (@IgboHistoFacts) July 31, 2024
Legendary singer, Onyeka Onwenu singing to guests at a birthday party moments before she died. pic.twitter.com/8mworKEQd6
Onwenu’s illustrious career spanned music, film, journalism, and politics. She first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with her television documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches.” She wrote and presented the documentary while working for Nigeria’s state television, exploring the growing frustrations of citizens with the civilian government shortly before the 1983 coup. The work became a definitive documentation of Nigeria’s post-independence economy and politics.
Life!!
— Kelex Ofoedu (@iam_kelex) July 31, 2024
Who knew she’d be gone after I took these images of her last night. She sang extremely well, was humorous, and made everyone very happy with her performance. I was thinking she’d see this photo when I tag her after the event.
RIP Legend Onyeka Onwenu ???????? pic.twitter.com/3iGS5GceOc
During the same decade, Onwenu began recording albums as a singer, and her soulful voice remained a radio staple for years. She was known for singles like “One Love,” “You and I,” and her duet with Sunny Ade, a pioneer of the Juju genre.
My name is Onyeka Onwenu, I am my Father's Daughter.
— HeyFranny (@FrannyOD) July 31, 2024
Death skipped the list this time ????
Rest in peace Stallion ?? pic.twitter.com/ypkt1Dq7wH
RIP Ma Onyeka onwenu???????????? pic.twitter.com/hlFEZ4v1ZL
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) July 31, 2024
