Nigeria is mourning the loss of veteran musician and actress Onyeka Onwenu, who has passed away at the age of 72.
Onwenu, renowned for her prolific career, is best known for her 1986 hit “One Love,” one of Nigeria’s most beloved songs.
Onwenu collapsed while performing at a birthday party on Tuesday night and was quickly taken to the hospital. Reports indicate that she died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos’ Lekki area.
Her family has yet to release a statement, but tributes have poured in from across the country.
President Bola Tinubu praised Onwenu as a “versatile and extremely gifted artiste” who brought immense joy and laughter to many.
Fellow musician Charly Boy noted that her “impact transcended the entertainment industry,” while the award-winning duo P-Square expressed their sorrow on social media, stating, “The nation has lost a timeless legend and great artist.”
Photographer Kelex Ofoedu shared images from Onwenu’s final performance, reflecting on the shock of her sudden passing: “Who knew she’d be gone after I took these images of her last night.
She sang extremely well, was humorous, and made everyone very happy with her performance.
Born in 1952, Onwenu was celebrated for her soul and gospel music, and her contributions to Nigerian film earned her several awards.
Beyond entertainment, she was also involved in broadcasting, activism, and politics.
Although she stood unsuccessfully for local government seats twice as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), she later endorsed the Labour Party during the last general election.
The Lagos state chapter of the Labour Party expressed deep sadness at Onwenu’s passing, calling her a “celebrated Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, and politician who virtually every Nigerian is proudly fond of.”
Source-BBC
