STILL TRAGIC: Evergreen Memory ‎of Onyeka Onwenu, a True Nigerian Legend

‎By Calista Oyeoba /posted August 1, 2025

Onyeka Onwenu one of Nigeria’s most celebrated singer and actress, passed away on July 30, 2024. at the age of 72. Event of her death was tragic. On the day of her death, she had just finished giving a soulful rendition and electric performance at the 80th birthday of her close friend, Stella Okoli , CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, when she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she was confirmed dead on arrival..

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‎Born in 1952 in Anambra State, Onyeka grew up in Port Harcourt. She was daughter of D.K Onwenu, a respected educationist who died when Onyeka was four years old. Onyeka later went abroad for studies in the United States, where she earned a degree in International Relations and Media Studies. When she returned to Nigeria in 1980, she started working as a broadcast journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). One of her most powerful works was a documentary titled Nigeria, “A Squandering of Riches”, which was an archival timeline of the country’s development trajectory.
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‎Onyeka was not only a journalist, she was also an accomplished singer. She began singing career in 1981, more as a private passion until her debut single “One Love” brought her unexpected fame and endorsement beyond her imagination. The public applause that greeted her successful outing, altered her career path more firmly in the direction of music. And from that, local and international invitation for event appearances started coming at a dizzying pace more than she could handle.

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and she quickly reinvented herself, moving in that direction where she used her creative talent to write and sing soul-stirring faith-based songs which awakened in her admirers and fans a deeper journey of self-discovery. Importantly, she used gospel music to promote peace, love, and respect for humanity.

She was involved in several humanitarian and charity initiatives. Onyeka collaborated with several prominent musicians. One notable collaboration was with King Sunny Ade on the songs “Madawolohun (Let Them Say)”, “Choices”, and “Wait For Me”. These songs, particularly “Choices” and “Wait For Me”, focused on family planning and were endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, to bring awareness of social issues like reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, women rights and even political inclusiveness.
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‎Onyeka Onwenu was a highly versatile and acknowledged creative powerhouse who also participated major blocked buster home movies. She appeared in popular Nigerian movies like Lionheart, Half of a Yellow Sun and God Calling. She served in public positions as well, helping to promote culture and women’s development, mentoring upcoming generation of Nigerians to embrace sublime challenges that unite people. She even acted as a judge on the music show X Factor Nigeria.
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‎Onyeka Onwenu received Nigeria national merit awards. The federal government honoured her with the prestigious awards of MFR and MON, (Member of the Order of the Federal Republic and Member of the Order of the Niger, respectively), for her work in music, film and activism. She was bold and always stood for justice. Many Nigerians including President Tinubu praised her for her talent and strength.

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NOTE: Calista is a Trainee-journalist who contributes regularly to DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos