The world mourns the loss of Onyeka Onwenu, the renowned Nigerian singer, broadcaster, and actress, who passed away on Tuesday following a performance. Here are ten essential facts about the life and legacy of the “Elegant Stallion”:
- Early Life: Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Her early years set the stage for a remarkable career across multiple fields.
- Diverse Career: Onwenu’s career spanned various roles including broadcast journalist, singer-songwriter, actress, politician, and social activist. She also served as a judge on the X Factor Nigeria series.
- Broadcasting Beginnings: Her broadcasting career began in 1980 with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She gained international acclaim for the BBC/NTA documentary, Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, and later hosted popular shows like Contact and Who’s On? on NTA Network.
- Academic Background: Onwenu held a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York, reflecting her commitment to education and media.
- Musical Career: She launched her music career in 1981 with the album For the Love of You. Her discography includes notable albums such as Endless Love and Dancing In The Sun. She transitioned to gospel music in the 1990s and was a judge on X Factor Nigeria in 2013.
- Acting Achievements: Onwenu made her acting debut in Zik Zulu Okafor’s Nightmare in 1999. She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Widow’s Cot in 2006 and appeared in significant films like Half of a Yellow Sun and Netflix’s Lion Heart.
- Political Involvement: Onwenu was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, serving as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and later as Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development. She also ran for Chairman of Ideato North Local Government Area twice but did not win.
- National Recognition: In 2011, Onwenu was honored with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her substantial contributions to Nigerian society.
- Personal Life: Onwenu was a mother of two and maintained a private personal life. Her former spouse was a Yoruba Muslim, though details about him remain scarce.
- Legacy: Onyeka Onwenu passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a rich legacy in music, film, and public service, deeply impacting Nigerian culture and beyond.
