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!
