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Onyeka Onwenu

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Onyeka Onwenu
MFR
Onwenu in 2022
Born(1952-01-31)31 January 1952
Obosi, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria[citation needed]
Died30 July 2024(2024-07-30) (aged 72)
Lagos, Nigeria
EducationWellesley College, Massachusetts (B.A.) The New School for Social Research, New York. (M.A.)
Occupations
  • Broadcaster
  • singer
  • actress
  • politician
Children2

Onyeka Onwenu MFR // ⓘ (31 January 1952 – 30 July 2024) was a Nigerian singer and songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and X Factor series judge.[1] Dubbed the "Elegant Stallion" due to her significant impact on African culture and entertainment, Onwenu was a chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.[2][3] In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.[4]

Early life

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Onwenu was born on 31 January 1952.[5] She hailed from Arondizuogu, a big town in Ideato North, Imo State, southeastern Nigeria, but was raised in Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State, Nigeria. She was the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who died when she was four years old in a traffic collision a week before his appointment as Minister for Education,[6][7][8] leaving his widow, Hope, to raise five children alone after her husband's family denied her access to his property. [9]

Education

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Onwenu possessed a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York.[10] She worked for the United Nations as a tour guide before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Lagos, Nigeria.[citation needed]

Career

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Broadcasting

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As an NTA employee, Onwenu made an impact as a newsreader and reporter. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria, as well as the intractable Niger Delta agitation for resource control and campaign against environmental degradation in the oil rich region of Nigeria.[11] A member of the NTA board, she also worked as a TV presenter, hosting the shows Contact (1988)[citation needed] and Who's On? (1993)[citation needed] both on NTA Network.

Music

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Originally a secular artist, Onwenu made the transition to gospel music in the 90s, and most of her songs are self-penned. She wrote and sang about issues such as health (HIV/AIDS), peace and mutual coexistence, respect for women's rights, and the plight of children. She began her recording career in 1981 while still with the NTA, releasing the album For the Love of You, a pop album which featured an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash's "Hold Me Tight", produced by Berkley Jones. Her second album was Endless Life, produced by Sonny Okosun, and included another cover – the Everley Brothers' "Walk Right Back". Both records were released under the EMI label.[12][13]

Onwenu's first album with Polygram, In The Morning Light, was released in 1984. Recorded in London, it featured the track "Masterplan" written by close friend Tyna Onwudiwe who had previously contributed to Onwenu's BBC documentary and subsequently sang back-up vocals on the album.[citation needed] In 1986, she released One Love which contained an updated version of the song "(In the) Morning Light from the previous album.[citation needed] Another song, "You and I", was re-recorded for the 2001 film Conspiracy starring Nkem Owoh and Onwenu herself.[citation needed]

For the 1988 album Dancing In The Sun, Onwenu adopted a more Afrocentric sound and collaborated with veteran jùjú artist Sunny Ade on the track "Madawolohun (Let Them Say)". This was the first of three songs the pair worked on together; the other two – "Choices" and "Wait For Me" – centred on family planning, and were endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria who used "Choices" in their PSA.[14] Dancing In The Sun, Onwenu's final release on Polygram, was dedicated to Winnie Mandela, the subject of a song of the same name which Onwenu performed live when Nelson Mandela and his wife visited Nigeria in 1990 following his release from prison.[15]

Onwenu diverted to Benson and Hedges Music in 1992 and released the self-titled Onyeka!, her only album with the label, after which she made the transition to Christian/gospel music.[citation needed] Her latest collection, "Inspiration for Change," focused on the need for an attitudinal change in Nigeria.[citation needed]

She was in partnership with Paris-based La Cave Musik, headed by a Nigerian cultural entrepreneur, Onyeka Nwelue and a UK-based Jungle Entertainment Ventures, headed by musicologist David Evans-Uhegbu. La Cave Musik is set to release her collection titled "Rebirth of a Legend". In recognition of her contribution to music and arts in Nigeria, she was celebrated by professionals like Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Laolu Akins, Charles O'Tudor, and former PMAN president Tony Okoroji among others in the arts industry in Nigeria.[16]

In 2013, Onwenu served as one of the three judges on X Factor Nigeria.[17]

Acting

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Onwenu's first movie role was as Joke, a childless woman who adopts an abandoned baby in Zik Zulu Okafor's Nightmare.[18] She later featured in numerous Nollywood movies, and in 2006 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the movie "Widow's Cot". She was also nominated that same year for Africa Movie Academy Award for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" in the movie Rising Moon.[19] She appeared in the movie Half of a Yellow Sun with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, and Lion Heart.

Politics

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Onwenu was a member of the People's Democratic Party.[20] She contested twice to become the Local Council Chairman of her Local Government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State and lost at both attempts, [8] but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim. On 16 September 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.[4]

Activism

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In 2000, Onwenu protested against her former employer NTA over their refusal to pay royalties on her songs (NTA 2 Channel 5 had used "Iyogogo", a track from the Onyeka! album, in station idents without asking her permission). After then-director general Ben Murray-Bruce blacklisted her from transmission, she embarked on a hunger strike outside the station's premises.[21]

Onwenu's activism attracted widespread support from various artists, including Charly Boy, who lambasted Nigeria's reluctance to pay royalties when songs are broadcast on television and radio. NTA resolved to settle the issue amicably but denied barring Onwenu from appearing on their channels.[22] The protest was called off after six days when Onwenu and NTA came to an arrangement regarding royalties.[23]

Personal life and death

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Onwenu notably kept her personal life private and often refused to disclose private information regarding her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim.[24] She was the mother of two children: Tijani Charles and Abraham.[25][26][27]

On 30 July 2024, Onwenu passed out after performing at a friend's birthday party in Lagos. She was immediately taken to Reddington Hospital where she was confirmed dead. Onwenu was 72.[28]

Filmography

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Year Film Role Notes
1999 Nightmare Joke with Pete Edochie and Franca Brown
Not Your Wealth with Peter Bunor & Charles Okafor
Conspiracy with Nkem Owoh
Chain Reaction with Pete Edochie & Liz Benson
2004 Government House
2005 Women's Cot with Joke Silva & Zack Orji – this film received 4 nominations and won 1 award at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2006 [19]
The Tyrant with Pete Edochie
Rising Moon Ulomma
Omalinze Queen with Stephanie Okereke
Every Single Day
2006 Different World with Ramsey Nouah
2007 To Love an Angel Nene with Ramsey Nouah
The Trinity with Kanayo O. Kanayo
2013 Half of a Yellow Sun Odenigbo's Mother with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton
2018 Lionheart Abigail Obiagu with Genevieve Nnaji, Phyno and Nkem Owoh
God Calling Mama Francis with Zainab Balogun, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Tina Mba
2019 Muna Ndidi – Muna's Grandma with Adesua Etomi, Adam Huss and Falz
2022 Ije Awele Ijeoma Okpara
2023 Obara'M Aunty Nwakaego with Nkem Owoh

Legacy and tributes

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Today, the impact of Onyeka Onwenu is seen to have resonated far beyond music, as Onwenu was said to have "impacted many lives positively through her remarkable versatility and she truly lived a Christian life that is worthy of emulation".[29] Onwenu's influence as a singer, songwriter, actress, journalist and activist earned her an appellation of being "the versatile queen of African pop", according to a Nigerian religious figure Isaiah Egedegbe.[29] A Nigerian reporter had earlier referred to her as the "Elegant Stallion" in the Nigerian media.[30] She was noted "for her contribution to music and arts in Nigeria",[30] which had earned her multiple national and international awards.[10]

The news of Onwenu's demise in late July 2024 had sparked reactions online, with the death being described by Isaiah Egedegbe as "a colossal loss not only to her family, but also to the people of Imo State and the entire country".[29] President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu also rendered tribute, calling Onwenu a "versatile and extremely gifted artiste".[31] While the President opined that her legacy "lives on in her immortal masterpieces",[32] a cleric in Warri also expressed a similar view that the late Onwenu lives on in "the other side of life".[29]


She was said to have been "marked by a remarkable versatility", to have left an "indelible mark on Nollywood" and to have made an "impact on Nigerian culture".[33] As Onwenu's "legacy in Nigeria's cultural and political landscape remains profound and enduring".[34]

Onwenu was a philanthropist.[35] In the wake of her death, she was also noted for her contribution to humanitarian causes, "often donating to organisations focused on education, healthcare, and women's empowerment".[35]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Onyeka Onwenu, Toolz, MI excited about Glo X factor". Archived from the original on 12 April 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2014.
  2. ^ "Charles O'tudor Fetes Onyeka Onwenu". AllAfrica Global Media. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  3. ^ Nwangwu, Onyinyechi. "NCAC Honours Onwenu, Samanja, Others". AllAfrica Global Media. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  4. ^ a b "Onwenu bags FG appointment". The Nation Newspapers. 21 September 2013. Archived from the original on 31 March 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  5. ^ Makams, Ahman (20 October 2012). "Onyenka Onwenu: Queen Of African Pop Music". Leadership. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  6. ^ Amadi, Ogbonna (2 March 2012). "Onyeka speaks at 60". Vanguardngr.com. Vanguard Media. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Am I married to the father of my kids? No comment ––––Onyeka Onw". Ghanaian Agenda. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  8. ^ a b Adetayo, Ayoola. "Onyeka Onwenu: 10 things about the legendary musician you need to know". Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  9. ^ Plight of Widows
  10. ^ a b "Onyeka Onwenu's Biography". AFROBIOS. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  11. ^ "Nigeria, A Squandering of Riches". BBC/NTA. 1984. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  12. ^ "For the Love of You". discogs.com. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  13. ^ "Endless Life". Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  14. ^ "MUSIC-NIGERIA: There's A Message in the Sound". Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  15. ^ "Why I Wrote Winnie Mandela". Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  16. ^ "Charles O'tudor Fetes Onyeka Onwenu". AllAfrica. 1 November 2008. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  17. ^ "Onyeka Onwenu, M.I, Reggie Rockstone unveiled as X Factor judges". Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  18. ^ "Nightmare". Archived from the original on 1 July 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  19. ^ a b "AMAA 2006 – List of Winners". Africa Movie Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  20. ^ "Onyeka Onwenu gets political appointment". Archived from the original on 23 July 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2014.
  21. ^ "I WENT ON HUNGER STRIKE WHEN BEN BRUCE BARRED ME FROM BEING SHOWN ON NTA –ONYEKA ONWENU". Archived from the original on 16 April 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  22. ^ Nigerian singer on hunger strike
  23. ^ Nigerian singer's hunger strike over
  24. ^ "Onyeka Opens Up on Her Private Life". Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  25. ^ Odusanya, Rachael (2018). "Onyeka Onwenu husband and children". Legit. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  26. ^ Tolu (16 November 2015). "Photos: Meet The Son Of Legendary Singer Onyeka Onwenu". Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  27. ^ "My Inspirational Teacher: by Nigerian singer and actor Onyeka Onwenu". Theirworld. 27 July 2014. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  28. ^ Olaiya, Tope (31 July 2024). "Iconic singer, Onyeka Onwenu dies after performance in Lagos". The Guardian Nigeria News − Nigeria and World News. Archived from the original on 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  29. ^ a b c d Muaz, Hassan. "Cleric mourns Onyeka Onwenu". The Eagle Online. Archived from the original on 2 August 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Onyeka Onwenu (1952–2024)". The Nation Newspaper. Archived from the original on 2 August 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  31. ^ Abubakar, Mansur. "Nigeria mourns 'One Love' music star Onyeka Onwenu". BBC. Archived from the original on 2 August 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  32. ^ Etuka, Sunday. "Tinubu Mourns Iconic Artiste, Onyeka Onwenu". The Fact Daily. Archived from the original on 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  33. ^ Okoye, Rita. "Life and legacy of elegant stallion Onyeka Onwenu". The Sun Newspaper. Archived from the original on 2 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  34. ^ "Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Onyeka Onwenu: The Elegant Stallion". THISDAY STYLE. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  35. ^ a b Usaini, Nebianet. "Onyeka Onwenu: The Elegant Stallion's Legacy In Music And Film". Channels TV. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
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