“Do it quickly, quietly and privately,
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business.
“If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this.”
This statement is a three year old reflection note from the late Nigerian music icon, Onyeka Onwenu when she granted premium times an interview in 2021 . In this poignant reflection, she expressed her desires for a simple and intimate farewell.
As a trailblazing artist, we offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of Onyeka Onwenu, an eloquent lady who knew how to capture the souls of audience with her enchanting African melodies. Born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, Onwenu’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy.
Losing her father to a ghastly motor accident at age 4 and warming the front roll of her mother’s struggle as she was widowed twice before age 37, epitomizes a phase of life of pain and trauma. Also, she encountered challenges in her marriage where she ended her Union with her heart throb.
In her words, “I went through it. It was difficult because I really didn’t want my marriage to end but I could not take it anymore. It would have killed me. I always say and that is the truth.
“And it was not good for the children to live in that kind of environment where the mother is depressed, the mother is carrying the weight of the whole family. I raised my children from kindergarten to Masters Degree,” she said.
Amidst these hurdles, just as an eagle, she went beyond the tragedy to become one of the most influential and respected woman in the Nigerian music industry and beyond.
Onyeka is a graduate from Wellesley College and earn a master’s degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research.
Onwenu’s career spanned journalism, documentary work, music, and acting. She was a pioneering journalist at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), producing the acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “A Squandering of Riches.”
Her music debut in 1981 showcased her unique blend of traditional African music and contemporary pop, earning her a wide audience. Some of her most iconic songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
Apart from her music, Onwenu appeared in several Nollywood films, portraying strong female characters. She was also a dedicated advocate, serving as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development and receiving numerous honors for her contributions.
Onyeka Onwenu is survived by her two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham. Her legacy continues to inspire generations with her unforgettable music, tireless advocacy, and remarkable life story.
The Legendary musician Onyeka Onwenu passed on at 72.
