Remembering Nigerian singer, actress and activist Onyeka Onwenu

Onyeka Onwenu, the iconic Nigerian singer, songwriter and activist, has passed away at the age of 72. She died at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, having collapsed after a performance at a private function.

Celebrated for her soulful voice and dedication to social causes, Onwenu leaves a legacy that is a tapestry of artistic talent, woven from music, advocacy and a deep commitment to her community.

Born on 17 May 1952 in Obosi in Anambra State, Nigeria, Onyeka Onwenu was destined for greatness.

Her adventures in music began in the early 1980s, and she quickly became a household name.

She is also known for being a reputable actress, human rights activist, journalist, politician and former X-Factor adjudicator, having appeared on the music-based British reality TV series.

Entry into music

Onyeka Onwenu was among the foremost recording musicians from Nigeria who were signed, trained and produced by major record labels in Nigeria in the 1980s.

She still stands out as the only Nigerian musician to fuse pop with juju music and highlife, generating musical creations with sonic make-ups that are revered till today as classics.

One of her most notable albums, One Love, released in 1986, carried several hits that resonated deeply with fans.

Songs such as the title track, “You and I” and “Bia Nulu” became anthems of unity and love. These tunes showcased not only her vocal prowess, but also her ability to connect with people through music that spoke to universal themes.

Onwenu’s collaboration with King Sunny Ade on the track “Wait for me” further consolidated her place in the pantheon of Nigerian music legends. The song’s lyrics and the harmonious blend of the two singers voices displayed her versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres.

Life as an activist

Onyeka Onwenu was a passionate activist. She used her platform to advocate for women’s rights, health care and education.

Her involvement with the United Nations as a goodwill ambassador underscored her commitment to humanitarian causes. Onwenu was vocal about issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence and the need for better maternal health services in Nigeria.

Her activism spread into politics when she served as the executive director/chief executive officer of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) in Abuja. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and socially, believing that women’s progress was crucial to the nation’s development.

Impact on entertainment

Onwenu’s impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry also included her work as an actress.

She starred in many Nollywood feature films, bringing the same passion and authenticity to the screen as she did to her music. Her performances in movies such as Mother of George and Conspiracy were acclaimed by critics, adding another dimension to her multifaceted career.

Throughout her life, Onyeka Onwenu was a symbol of resilience and dedication. Her music, activism and contributions to Nigerian culture will continue to inspire generations to come.

Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand