Nigerians on Wednesday received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of conic singer, Onyeka Onwenu, at the age of 72.
Onwenu, it was learnt, died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, after slumping at the 80th birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli, where she performed.
The high-class event had in attendance many dignitaries, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who took to his X handle on Wednesday to recount how doctors battled to save the life of the iconic singer and activist.
Recalling Onwenu’s last moments, Obi wrote: “Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’.
“It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital.
“I followed her to the hospital. I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life, doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone.
“Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle. My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”
Tinubu, govs, PMAN mourn
President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi, governors, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, fans and many others, on Wednesday, mourned Onwenu’s death.
Her children announced her passing, sharing details about her final moments on Wednesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that my brother and I wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu,” her children wrote in a statement on Wednesday.
“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed. She passed away last night, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria,” the statement added.
Her children described their mother as an “icon and legend” who inspired multiple generations with her music, acting, philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.
The family expressed their gratitude to those who supported Onyeka in her final moments, including “Mr Peter Obi, Mr and Mrs John Momoh and Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr Okpara, all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole with us soon after her passage.”
They added, “We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts.
“As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.”
The renowned singer was born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State.
She released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981 and has since released several albums and singles, including her hit song “One Love.”
She was awarded the National Honours of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
In a condolence statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu mourned the iconic artiste.
“President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
“The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
“Ms Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” the statement by Ngelale stated.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He condoled with the entertainment industry, the Imo State government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun.’”
Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, mourned the iconic singer.
Speaking at the governors’ wives’ quarterly meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, she led those present to observe a minute of silence in honour of Onwenu.
She described Onwenu as a mother of the nation and a pillar of support to her.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of the Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu, especially as I still interacted with her recently.
“Her extraordinary talent, creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song ‘One Love Keep Us Together’ has left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only in Nigeria but globally.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, associates, and friends during this period of grief. May the Lord God grant them the strength to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss. She left us doing what she loved,” she said.
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described the late Onwenu as a gift to her generation.
In a press statement on Wednesday, the governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports, Dr Onyeka Onwenu.
“Onwenu was a gift to her generation. Sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting, hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes.
“Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, as she laced her music with nuggets for social revival. She wore many caps elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader.
“Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused in the many avenues she used in agitating for a more prosperous nation,” the statement read.
The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described the death of Onwenu as the exit of a “nightingale and a music icon.”
Mbah said the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession had dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans, and the music world as a whole.
“This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. Coming on the heels of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts.
“As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.
“She was also a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in the defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity,” he said.
The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in a statement signed by her media aide, Nneka Anibueze, described Onwenu as a true patriot who used her music to promote unity.
“The music world has lost a shining star, a true legend, and a shaper of our cultural identity. 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…
“She was a true patriot who used her music to promote unity, harmony, and patriotism. Her music was a reflection of our cultural values, and her impact will be felt for generations to come,” the statement read.
The PMAN, AGN and music fans expressed shock and sadness over the demise of Onwenu, aka Elegant Stallion.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, on Wednesday in Abuja, PMAN Federal Capital Territory Governor, Sydney Asowari, said the late singer died at a time when her wealth of experience was mostly needed in the entertainment industry.
He said Onyeka’s contributions to the growth of the music industry and her impact would remain indelible on the sand of time.
“It is a great loss to us especially entertainers and musicians because Onyeka was the stallion, one of the founding members of what we are enjoying today.
“It was really devastating when we heard the news, however, our solace is in the fact that she died in active service and left unforgettable memories,” he said.
Also, the FCT Mayor of AGN, Mercy Salma, said the passing of the music legend was a big loss to not just the music industry, but the entertainment industry at large.
“The news of the passing of Onyeka Onwenu has struck the entertainment industry with mourning once again, and a lot of actors have been pouring out their hearts in grief.
“We are totally short of words because this is not the news we are expecting in a time like this because even at 100, she would have still been useful to us.
“I am sure that is not only the movie industry that will miss her, but the music industry, her fans and Nigerians at large will miss her,” she said.
Legendary Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, in an interview with NAN in Lagos, on Wednesday, said Onwenu’s immense contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry would always be revered.
“I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit and good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we share.
“Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts in Nigeria’s entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Nigerian singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, took to X to pay tribute to late Onwenu.
He wrote: “The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry.
“Onwenu’s death follows the recent deaths of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria.
“Onwenu’s legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations. Oh! My sister, Rest in Peace.”
The Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, said, “Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu. Rest in peace Ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Nigerian ‘Galala’ singer, Daddy Showkey, with a display of the deceased’s picture on his Instagram page, wrote: “RIP Great Legend Onyeka Onwenu. Nobody knows the news wey you go hear when you wake up in the morning.”
Many music fans also took to social media to eulogise the late music icon.
