Thursday, September 12, 2024

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

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