‘Onyeka Onwenu was Queen of songs’

The sudden death of iconic singer cum actress, Onyeka Onwenu, threw the entire Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning. Onwenu was a Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress,human rights and social activist, journalist, politician and a former X factor judge. She died at the age of 72. Following the news of her death, ADERONKE ADESANYA gathered tributes written on the social media by entertainers and politicians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The president through an official statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, mourned the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.

He recalled the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.

Tinubu also celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.

He went on to condole the entertainment industry, the Imo State government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this im­measurable loss.

According to the pres­ident, God will grant the repose of the soul of the de­ceased artiste and make her find a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun’.

“Ms. Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” Tinubu stated.

 

Governor Peter Mbah

Similarly, governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the death of Nigeria’s veteran musician, described it as the exit of a nightingale and a music icon.

Reacting to the news of the unfortunate development, Mbah said, “This is yet another sad development for the nation in general.

Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.

“Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she deliv­ered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.

“She was also a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity.

“Onwenu will be sorely missed, but it is consoling that she lived life to the fullest of her talents, sow­ing herself indelibly in the heart of humanity and will, like all legends, be remembered for many generations to come. I pray God to grant her soul eternal repose and comfort her family, the nation, and, indeed, Africa.”

 

Patience Ozokwor

Nollywood Actress Patience Ozokwor, reacting to Onwenu’s death to the News Agency of Nigeria on July 31, 2024, in Enugu, described it as “painful and hurtful”.

“Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and the fact that she was not sick. How can everyone be dying like that? What is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country,” she said.

 

Charly Boy

Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, took to X, formerly Twitter, to pay tribute to the late Onwenu.

He wrote: “The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry.

“Onwenu’s death follows the recent passings of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria.

“Onwenu’s legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations.

Oh! My sister, Rest In Peace.”

 

Rita Edochie

Nollywood actress Rita Edochie penned a heartfelt tribute to Onyeka Onwenu on Instagram on July 31, 2024.

Edochie wrote: “This world is really not our home. The death of the icon Onyeka Onwenu came to me as a great shock. She was a great daughter of Igbo land and Nigeria, by extension. A great entertainer and very outspoken when it comes to national issues, she will be missed by any well-thinking Nigerian.”

“She tried in her little way to revolutionize the country with the lyrics of her songs, always preaching love and togetherness. Onyeka Onwenu came to the limelight in the early eighties with her song One Love Put Us Together, among many others. A television news presenter and a nationalist. Her contributions to the development of Nigeria will always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace,” she added.

 

Akin Olaoye

Founder of Nigeria’s biggest eyewear retail chain, Akin Olaoye, wrote: “With a heavy heart, I am forced to come to terms with the passing of an icon Madam Onyeka Onwenu. I grew up listening to her music in the 80’s and I remember meeting her at a concert at the Shell Club RA in 1988.

She left an impression on me that carried on for decades. Her records were a favorite during family road trips in the 80’s and early 90’s whenever we travelled between east & west. In September 2018, I was blessed to have her come on board as a Brand Ambassador for @HouseofLunettes  and she said to me “Akin just tell me whatever you need, I am here to support you”.

“She was a sweet soul, full of life and left a trace of joy in every room she walked into.  Madam Onyeka Onwenu the Diva Extraordinaire, you are in the presence of the stars and heaven has gained another Angel. Rest well Icon!.”

 

Obiageli Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, expressed her sorrow over the passing of music legend Onyeka Onwenu, describing it as “shocking and extremely tragic”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili eulogised Onwenu as a distinguished Nigerian who brought joy and laughter to many through her versatile artistic endeavours.

Ezekwesili celebrated Onwenu’s life, highlighting her exceptional talents as a journalist, newscaster, songwriter, musician, performer, actor, and producer.

She said, “Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear #OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her.

“Our sister, Onyeka was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her National Youth Service with NTA #NTANewsNow . Her newscasting skills were unmatched.

Her epic #BBCWorld documentary titled “A Squandering of Riches” will remain one of the greatest narration of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today.

How about her giant strides as a songwriter, a musician, a performer, actor, producer! Distinction!!.”

She also acknowledged Onwenu’s political career, which followed in the footsteps of her father, D.K. Onwenu.

“Onyeka Onwenu later became a politician, following in the footsteps of her Dad- D. K. Onwenu.

“Her mom, Dame Hope Onwenu was an inspiration to their Generation of mothers. I recall how devastated my now-late mom was when Aunty Hope Onwenu died in 2011.”

Ezekwesili fondly recalled Onwenu’s tribute to her mother, Dame Hope Onwenu, in the song “Ochie Dike Mama”, which has become an anthem for mothers since 2010.

She wrote, “Before her death, Onyeka had eulogized her Dame Onwenu with that evergreen song- “Ochie Dike Mama” which we all began singing for our mothers since 2010 to date.

“We truly have lost a distinguished Nigerian in the death of Onyeka Onwenu.

“May God comfort and grant divine peace to her 2 sons, siblings and rest of Onwenu family.”

 

Adewale Ayuba

Nigerian singer Adewale Ayuba, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said Onwenu’s immense contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry would always be revered.

“I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit, good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.

“Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts on Nigeria entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said

 

Femi Kuti

Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, expressed shock at the death of Onwenu.

“Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu.

“Rest in peace Ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”

 

Daddy Showkey

Nigerian “Galala” singer, Daddy Showkey, with a display of the deceased’s picture on his Instagram page, wrote: “RIP Great Legend Onyeka Onwenu.

“Nobody know the news wey you go hear when you wake up in the morning.”

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