Nigeria’s music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly dubbed as the “Elegant Stallion”, has died at the age of 72.
Onwenu reportedly died Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos after she slumped after playing at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli.
An eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the sad news.
Olu Jacobs is not dead, says Joke Silva
“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.
Born 31st January 1952, the late singer turned politician and rights activist who was dubbed “The Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, was at a time the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
She will be remembered for her numerous songs, among them, “Wait for me” which she sang with Juju meastro, King Sunny Ade.
There has not been official confirmation from her family as at the time of filing this report.
Born on May 17, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Onyeka is known as the “Elegant Stallion” and has been active in the music industry since the 1980s.
She released many hit songs and albums, including “Iyogogo,” “One Love,” and “Ekwe.”
Onyeka won numerous awards for her music and has been recognized for her contributions to Nigerian culture.
In addition to her music career, Onyeka also acted in several films and has been involved in politics.
She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and has been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Onyeka is also a human rights activist and has been involved in various charitable causes, including advocating for the rights of women and children.
She has been recognized for her philanthropic work and has received several awards for her contributions to society.
Eulogies are already pouring in for the late singer.
Onyeka Onwenu reportedly said to her family, “Bury Me Quickly, Quietly, and Privately.”
Veteran musician and actress Onyeka Onwenu shared her burial wishes shortly after her 70th birthday in January 2022.
According to reports, she instructed her family to bury her quickly, quietly, and privately when she eventually died.
“I’ve told my family how I want to be buried. Do it quickly, quietly, and privately. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterward. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Mourn, but not excessively. Make merriment and then go about your business.
“If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I’m alive, so I can enjoy it with them, not when I’m gone and have no idea,” she said.
Sadly, Onyeka Onwenu passed away yesterday in Lagos at the age of 72, shortly after performing at a birthday event.
The renowned singer/songwriter, actress, human rights activist, journalist, and politician was a woman of many parts, and she made positive impacts on society.
Until her passing, she remained passionate about her home state, Imo, and spoke out against the rising insecurity that threatened its peaceful and hospitality reputation
