Nigeria’s iconic singer, songwriter and actress, Ms Onyeka Onwenu is dead. She was 72.
Onwenu died at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos on Tuesday night after slumping at the 80th birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli, the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical.
Her family is yet to release an official statement about her death.
In addition to her music and entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics. She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
She has also been recognized as one of the most influential women in Nigeria by various organisations.
Born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
She also released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and has bagged numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
Onwenu has been recognized for her contributions to Nigerian society, including being awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.