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Tag: ONYEKA ONWENU

  • Reactions trail passing of Onyeka Onwenu

    Reactions trail passing of Onyeka Onwenu

    Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, says she is downcast and hurt by the news of the death of music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.

    Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday in Lagos.

    She was said to have been rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she reportedly passed away.

    Reacting to Onwenu’s death on Wednesday in Enugu, Ozokwor described it as painful and hurting.

    “Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and for the fact that she was not sick.

    “How can everyone be dying like that, what is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country,” she said.

    Ayuba, Femi Kuti, Charly Boy, others pay tribute to late Onyeka Onwenu

    Similarly, legendary Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, on Wednesday mourned  Onyeka Onwenu, Nigeria’s music legend, who died on Tuesday at the age of 72.

    Ayuba, in an interview in Lagos, 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, good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.

    “Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts on Nigeria entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.

    Also, Nigerian singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, took to X, formerly Twitter, 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 passings 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 .”

    Similarly, Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, expressed shock at the death of Onwenu.

    “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 know the news wey you go hear when you wake up in morning.”

    Onwenu was born in 1952. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.

    She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.

    Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.

    In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics.

    She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.

    She was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

  • Queen of songs – President Tinubu mourns music legend, Onyeka Onwenu

    Queen of songs – President Tinubu mourns music legend, Onyeka Onwenu

    President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the  late veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu.

    It was reported that the veteran singer had died at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos after she slumped while performing at the birthday party of popular socialite and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Stella Okoli.

    Reacting to the sad incident, President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday described Onyeka as the queen of songs.

    “President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition of ‘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,” the statement said.

    Tinubu who said Onwenu lives on in her “immortal masterpieces” condoled with the entertainment industry, Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over the loss.

    The president also celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who devoted herself to a wide range of artistic endeavours and expressions, bringing joy and laughter to many.

    Tinubu prayed for the repose of her soul and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun.’”

  • Watch last moment of Onyeka Onwenu performing at birthday party before collapsing to her death

    Watch last moment of Onyeka Onwenu performing at birthday party before collapsing to her death

    A video of Legendary singer, Onyeka Onwenu performing at the 80th birthday party of popular industrialist Chief Mrs Stella Okoli before slumping has surfaced on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that the veteran singer had died at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos after she slumped while performing at the birthday party of popular socialite, Mrs. Stella Okoli

    However, in the video that surfaced social media, the music legend was performing one of her best songs “One love keep us together” when the unfortunate incident happened.

    The late veteran singer looked strong and healthy during the performance.

    Watch video below:

    Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to various social media platforms to pay tributes to the late singer/songwriter and actress.

  • How Onyeka Onwenu passed away after performing at birthday party

    How Onyeka Onwenu passed away after performing at birthday party

    Nigeria’s music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly dubbed as the “Elegant Stallion”, has died at the age of 72.

    Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday.

    She was said to have been rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she reportedly passed away.

    A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight. After performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”

    Onwenu was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State and began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.

    She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”. The musical legend used her music and its timeless messages to promote Nigeria’s culture.

    Her music duet with King Sunny Ade entitled “Wait for Me” has remained evergreen. It is remembered always as a song with deep lyrical message which was put together to help the government of that era fight seriously against the outburst of population explosion while also regulating it with the different family planning programmes put together by the government.

    Her song, “African Woman’’, helped greatly in projecting the innate exquisiteness of the African woman giving them a sense of pride and belonging amid poverty, widowhood, rape, lack of care, hatred, humiliation and abandonment, among others.

    Her evergreen classic, “Sodom and Gomorrah’’, is a biblical narrative of the popular story of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, a city destroyed by God due to their heedlessness and high level of immorality.

    Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.

    In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics.

    She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.

    She was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

  • Celebrities, fans react to sudden death of music legend, Onyeka Onwenu

    Celebrities, fans react to sudden death of music legend, Onyeka Onwenu

    The sudden death of iconic singer cum actress, Onyeka Onwenu has thrown the entire Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the 72-year-old died at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos, after she slumped while playing at the birthday party of famous socialite, Mrs. Stella Okoli

    An eyewitness at the party confirmed the sad news by saying, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

    “She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the unnamed eyewitness told the newspaper

    Nigerians and celebrities alike have taken to various social media outlet to pay tributes to the late singer and actress.

    Onyeka Nwelue wrote: “@onyekanwelue This picture was taken around 3am in a Lagos bar on the island.  I was moving to the US and Onyeka Onwenu insisted she must take me out with her son and friends before I leave Nigeria. We enjoyed.”

    daddyshowkey share photo of the late veteran with the caption: ‘‘RIP Great Legend Onyeka, Onwenu”

    Akin Olaoye wrote: “With a heavy heart, I am forced to come to terms with the passing of an icon Madam Onyeka Onwenu. I grew up listening to her music in the 80’s and I remember meeting her at a concert at the Shell Club RA in 1988. 

    “She left an impression on me that carried on for decades. Her records were a favorite during family road trips in the 80’s and early 90’s whenever we travelled between east & west. In September 2018, I was blessed to have her come onboard as a Brand Ambassador for @HouseofLunettes  and she said to me “Akin just tell me whatever you need, I am here to support you”. 

    “She was a sweet soul, full of life and left a trace of joy in every room she walked into.  Madam Onyeka Onwenu the Diva Extraordinaire, you are in the presence of the stars and heaven has gained another Angel. Rest well Icon!.”

    lasgidi2mogadishu wrote: “She passed doing what she love.. I celebrate her life..and pray for a good passage and the strength for her family and friends to deal with their loss.. May her soul rest in.”

    ks1malaika wrote:“Wow, may her soul rest in peace.”

    K a a l wrote: “ I loooooooove this woman! I’ve a deep love for classics, and ‘You & I’ has always held a special place at d top of my playlist. I still dream about dancing 2 this song at my wedding, cherishing the memories it brings. Rest in peace, phenomenal woman.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Popular Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu is dead

    Popular Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu is dead

    Iconic Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu, is reportedly dead.

    According to thenicheng.com, the 72-year-old slumped after playing at the birthday party of popular socialite, Mrs. Stella Okoli, and was immediately rushed to the Reddington Hospital, Lagos where she passed away.

    An eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the sad news to TheNiche.

    “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

    “She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the unnamed eyewitness told the newspaper.

    Onyeka Onwenu, Nigerian musical legend used her music and its timeless messages to promote Nigeria’s culture.

    Her music duet with King Sunny Ade entitled “Wait for Me” has remained evergreen. It is remembered always as a song with deep lyrical message which was put together to help the government of that era fight seriously against the outburst of population explosion while also regulating it with the different family planning programmes put together by the government.

    Her song, “African Woman’’, helped greatly in projecting the innate exquisiteness of the African woman giving them a sense of pride and belonging amid poverty, widowhood, rape, lack of care, hatred, humiliation and abandonment, among others.

    Her evergreen classic, “Sodom and Gomorrah’’, is a biblical narrative of the popular story of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, a city destroyed by God due to their heedlessness and high level of immorality.

  • Soludo appoints Prof Odinkalu, Charly boy, Onyeka Onwenu, others to stop the activities of IPOB

    Soludo appoints Prof Odinkalu, Charly boy, Onyeka Onwenu, others to stop the activities of IPOB

    Anambra Governor, Charles Soludo has appointed human rights activist, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, as head of a 15- member Truth, Justice and Peace Commission to stop the activities of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB).

    The committee’s Secretary is Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and other members of the committee are Mr Charles Oputa (Charly boy); music icon Onyeka Onwenu; Dr. Joe Nwaorgu; Dr. Udenta Udenta; Dr. Uju Agomoh; Rev. Fr (Msgnr); Jerome Madueke and Canon Dr. Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye.

    In a statement on Wednesday by Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, the committee also has as members Dr. John Out; Mr. Ngozi Odumuko; Dr. Joe Abah, Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu; Mr. Sam Egwuatu and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

    The committee, the statement explained, will seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence, accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State, and the region/Nigeria.

    It has a six-month timeline to conclude the assignment from the date of inauguration.

    No date has however been fixed for the inauguration of the committee.

  • Onyeka Onwenu opens up on why she left her marriage

    Onyeka Onwenu opens up on why she left her marriage

    Nigerian music legend, Onyeka Onwenu has opened up on past struggles and why she left her marriage.

    Onwenu in an interview with media personality, Kikilomo Atanda-Owo said although she did not want her marriage to end, it would have killed her if she stayed.

    She revealed that her marriage was difficult and was not good for her and her children.

    She said: “I went through my marriage, it was difficult because I really did not want my marriage to end but I could not take it anymore, it would have killed me.

    “I always say this and that is the truth. It was not good for the children to live in that kind of environment where the mother is depressed, the mother is carrying the weight of the whole family.”

    “I raised my children from kindergarten to Masters Degree.

    “My husband didn’t pay school fees for one day, didn’t buy clothes, didn’t pay for holidays, didn’t give me housekeeping money, hard to believe.

    Onyeka Onwenu, whose estranged husband had remained a mystery over the years reportedly married a Yoruba Muslim in 1984 and they were blessed with two children.

    The music icon said men will have to answer to God if they neglect their families.

    “That’s mean, irresponsible, wicked, even to your own children? Forget about the wife, the children.

    “And I decided to write about it because women, we keep quiet for too long. We take so much and you’re dying.

    “And once I opened up, I felt this relief that a lot of women who read it would say, thank you for talking about this. ‘We know now that we ought to free ourselves.”

    Though she said she doesn’t support divorce, Onwenu said if it must happen, it should be done peacefully.

  • Anyim felicitates with Onyeka Onwenu at 70

    Anyim felicitates with Onyeka Onwenu at 70

    Former Senate President and 2023 presidential aspirant, Anyim Pius Anyim has congratulated lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu on her 70th birthday describing her as an inspiration to young people.

    In a personally signed letter of felicitation on Monday, Anyim who is contesting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries also told the celebrant that she is a woman of worth.

    Anyim recalled the contributions Ms Onwenu has made in the Communications and Entertainment industry and observed that she had made success of anything she had put her mind into.

    Anyim said: “It is with immense joy that I join your family, friends, associates and innumerable fans the world over, to rejoice with you and congratulate you on this special occasion of your 70th birthday.

    “I thank God for your life. Your solid achievements in the Communication and Entertainment industry stand you out as a woman of worth. Your confidence, courage and intelligence endear you to anyone that comes in contact with you.

    “Your strength of character, boldness, determination to succeed in everything you put your mind to, and the brilliant success that you have become will remain a source of inspiration to the youth, particularly the young women”.

    Anyim concluded by saying, “I celebrate you, our own ‘Elegant Stallion’. I pray that the good Lord will uphold you in good health and sound mind as you continue your worthy services to our dear country and humanity at large.”

  • Buhari greets Onyeka Onwenu at 70

    Buhari greets Onyeka Onwenu at 70

    President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the entertainment industry practitioners and other Nigerians in sharing the joyous occasion of 70th birthday anniversary of renowned songwriter, singer and journalist, Onyeka Onwenu.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja, the president congratulated the multiple award-winning artiste and actress for ”leading a life that keeps inspiring both the old and young”.

    He affirmed that Onwenu’s creativity, sincerity of purpose and diligence had continued to bring glory to the country.

    Buhari noted that Onwenu, as an NTA presenter and reporter, caught the world’s attention by putting a spotlight on corruption in the 80’s and releasing songs with great social and moral impact.

    Buhari felicitated Onwenu, a former Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of National Centre for Women Development and Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture, for fresh ideas and institutional reforms she brought into public service.

    He also lauded her for passionately creating and pursuing a vision for a better life for many.

    The president said that Onwenu’s many recognitions and awards at home and abroad were well-deserved, noting that she directed her energy into global movies with historic contexts.

    The president also noted that Onwenu directed her energy into sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    He prayed that the Almighty God would continue to bless Onwenu, the singer of “One Love’’, who is also known as the Elegant Stallion, with long life and good health.