By Sola Ojewusi
Renowned for her nearly four-decade-long career, Onyeka Onwenu, known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ has passed away. The iconic “One Love” singer collapsed and died at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after performing at a private event.
Sources close to the family reveal that Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage. After her performance, she returned to her seat and suddenly collapsed. Emergency services swiftly transported her to the hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death remains unconfirmed.
A family insider, speaking anonymously, stated: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”
Born on May 31, 1952, Onwenu’s illustrious career extended beyond music into acting, journalism, and politics. Her music, blending highlife, reggae, and pop, often tackled social and political issues, with hits like “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” “Ekwe,” and “Wait for Me” featuring King Sunny Ade.
Onwenu also made significant contributions as a political activist, serving as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Earlier this year, Onwenu announced she was working on a film about her experiences in the music industry and planned to collaborate with emerging musicians on a compilation of rebranded iconic songs set for release later this year. It is unclear if these projects were completed before her untimely death.
As of now, there has been no official statement from Onyeka Onwenu’s family.
