ONYEKA ONWENU, MFR (1952 – 2024): LIFE AND TIMES OF NIGERIAN SONGSTRESS AND ELEGANT STALLION

Onyeka Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North LGA, Imo State She was born on January 31, 1952 and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She has an impressive career that spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics. She was one of the early highly educated musicians Nigeria has produced. She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication. She obtained a Masters Degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York. She worked for the United Nations as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Lagos, Nigeria.

Onyeka Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s blending genres like highlife, pop, and gospel. She was known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which earned her the nickname “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian press. Her music resonates across generations, with iconic songs like “Ekwe”, “You and I”, and “One Love”   Onwenu’s legacy as a singer/songwriter, actress, and social activist continues to inspire and influence Nigerian culture and beyond.

Onyeka Onwenu’s recording career began in 1981 while still with the NTA, releasing the album For the Love of You, a pop album which featured an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash's "Hold Me Tight", produced by Berkley Jones. Her second album was Endless Life, produced by Sonny Okosun, and included another cover – the Everley Brothers' "Walk Right Back". Both records were released under the EMI label. Her first album with Polygram Records, “In The Morning Light”, was released in 1984. Recorded in London, it featured the track "Masterplan" written by her close friend Tyna Onwudiwe.

Onyeka Onwenu had a notable collaboration with King Sunny Ade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians. Their professional relationship was marked by the release of the hit song “Wait for Me” in 1984, which became a significant success in Nigeria. “Wait for Me” was more than just a song; it was part of a public health campaign aimed at promoting responsible family planning and safe sex.

Onyeka Onwenu made an impact as a newsreader and reporter while she was an employee of NTA. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches” which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria, as well as the intractable Niger Delta agitation for resource control and campaign against environmental degradation in the oil rich region of Nigeria

Onyeka Onwenu also excelled as an actress, leaving an indelible mark on Nollywood with roles in films like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Lion Heart.” Her passion for social change led her into politics and activism, where she championed women’s rights and advocated for marginalized groups.

Onyeka Onwenu was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, and in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She notably kept her personal life private and often refused to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she bore two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

Onyeka Onwenu died on Tuesday July 30 2024 at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Mrs. Stella Okoli.

Rest on Elegant Stallion!

EMEKS MUSIC

Rema Flies Higher: Becomes First African to Win Chinese Music Award

Nigerian music lovers heaved a sigh of relief after the disappointing performance of Nigerian artists nominated for 2024 Grammy Awards.
Nigerian superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artist to win a Chinese Music Award.
The singer achieved this feat with his song ‘Calm Down’ which he had remixed with the American superstar Selena Gomez to win the Best Collaboration of the Year at the 2024 Hito Music Award in the Republic of China.

The award which was presented by Hit FM, Taiwan was hosted by DJ Andy. Rema has therefore joined the American and British artists on the list of the few international musicians to have won the Taiwanese award.

I bet you Afrobeats is truly ruling the world! No force can ever stop an idea whose time has come. 

EMEKS MUSIC

AFROBEATS 2024: New, Young and Vibrant Afrobeats Artists to Watch Out For

 1. Raebel

Raebel is a young Nigerian artiste currently creating her own space in the music industry with a fresh sound that is a reflection of alternative R&B, Neo-soul, reggae/dancehall, and a sprinkle of the traditional Nigerian flavor.
Raebel’s 2022 biggest song ‘Miniskirt’ was originally a freestyle she did became a smash hit single after she teamed up with Timbun who produced the song.

2. Llona

Micheal Ajuma Attah, popularly known as Llona, is a young and fast-rising recording artist and songwriter from Kogi State, Nigeria. His music styles revolve around contemporary Afrobeats, R&B, and Dancehall.

3. Qing Madi

Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, popularly known as Qing Madi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer who came to the limelight through her hit single “See Finish.”
Born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Madi is shaping the future of music with her unique genre-bending fusion of Afrobeats, pop, soul, and R&B. The Nigerian artiste is a master of her craft with nearly a decade of experience under her belt, having launched her career at 7 years old.

4. TML Vibez

Timileyin Sulaimon (born 2000) is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter known by his professional moniker, TML Vibez. He is making significant strides in the Nigerian music industry and has garnered attention for his exceptional talent.

5. Gdzilla

Emerging from the dynamic core of Lagos State, Gdzilla’s musical journey, which blossomed in 2023, is more than a career choice; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream, an impassioned odyssey. His music seamlessly merges traditional Afrobeat rhythms, deeply rooted in Lagos’ cultural tapestry, with a contemporary twist, crafting a compelling soundscape.

6. Ninety

Ninety, whose real name is Alabo Tuonims, emerges at a time when the Afrobeats genre is evolving, with Late Millennials and Gen Z shifting specific themes and styles of traditional genres in music. He really has a lot of potentials to shine in 2024.

7. Smada

Adams Olabode, popularly known as Smada, is a songwriter and an artist with a blend of diversified genres. From Afrobeats to Indie, and to Alternative, and Afro-Pop. He is signed to NATIVE Records in partnership with Def Jam Recordings.

8. Major AJ

Major AJ is one of the most young and vibrant of voices veering into the Nigerian music scene, especially at this time when the industry is tilting towards R&B/Pop monotony.

9. Big Boi Tee

David Azuma, popularly known as Big Boi Tee, also started making music at an early age. The youngster has the ability to make different genres of music. He’s a star to watch out for in 2024.

10. Amexin

Kalu Daniel Onoh known as Amexin is a Nigerian born singer and songwriter that use Afrobeat and folk music to create a unique sound. Amexin signed a record deal in 2022 with Estlon music and publishing deal with Ultra International Music Publishing.

11. Kold AF

Kold AF is an emerging Nigerian Afrofusion artist. Kold AF’s journey into the limelight was meticulously crafted, marked by a transformative artist’s development phase which displayed confidence and self-assuredness in her sound. She will definitely shine in 2024.

12. Noon Dave

Nigerian AfroPop singer-songwriter, Noon Dave is an Alumni of Peter Kings College of Music, who taps his songwriting inspiration from a diverse exposure to different genres, soaking up elements from Pop, R&B, Soul, and, of course, Afrobeats to create his unique sound.

13. Eli Jae

Abuchi Elijah Emedem is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performing music act, popularly known as Eli Jae. He was raised in the city of Port Harcourt where he first found his love for music; he enjoyed writing and being a backup act for other artists until he decided to start making music of his own. His sound flawlessly merges R&B with Afrobeats and alternative music.

14. Shine TTW

Chukwuma Chinaza Ferdinand, also known as ShineTTW, is a promising Nigerian singer from the southeast part of Nigeria. He had his secondary school education in Anambra, where his knack for singing and beatboxing earned him the tag “class entertainer.” He’s a star to watch in 2024.

15. Yarden

Okereke Blessed Jordan, popularly known as Yarden is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born on August 2, 2000. He is from Abia State but was raised in Lagos State. He comes from a music and entertainment family and possesses a unique sound that features a dark, groovy, and ominous vibe, which is a new and different sound for the world to accept and relate to on an unlimited scale.
The 20-year-old Afrobeats act is currently signed to Etins Record Limited. Watch out for Yarden this year he's full of surprises!

Conclusion

Gen-Zs are fully taking over Afrobeats and they’ll surely take to it to the zenith soon. Watch out this 2024 for the making of superstars from these new, young and vibrant Afrobeats stars.

Afrobeats is surely ruling the world! 

Emeks Music