Nigerians on Wednesday received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of iconic singer, Onyeka Onwenu, at the age of 72.
Onwenu, it was learnt, died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, after slumping at the 80th birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli, where she performed.
The high-class event had in attendance many dignitaries, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who took to his X handle on Wednesday to recount how doctors battled to save the life of the iconic singer and activist.
Recalling Onwenu’s last moments, Obi wrote: “Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’.
“It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital.
“I followed her to the hospital. I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life, doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone.
“Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle. My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”
Tinubu, govs, PMAN mourn
President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi, governors, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, fans and many others, on Wednesday, mourned Onwenu’s death.
Her children announced her passing, sharing details about her final moments on Wednesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that my brother and I wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu,” her children wrote in a statement on Wednesday.
“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed. She passed away last night, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria,” the statement added.
Her children described their mother as an “icon and legend” who inspired multiple generations with her music, acting, philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.
The family expressed their gratitude to those who supported Onyeka in her final moments, including “Mr Peter Obi, Mr and Mrs John Momoh and Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr Okpara, all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole with us soon after her passage.”
They added, “We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts.
“As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.”
The renowned singer was born in 1952 in Obosi, Anambra State.
She released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981 and has since released several albums and singles, including her hit song “One Love.”
She was awarded the National Honours of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
In a condolence statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu mourned the iconic artiste.
“President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
“The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
“Ms Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” the statement by Ngelale stated.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He condoled with the entertainment industry, the Imo State government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun.’”
Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, mourned the iconic singer.
Speaking at the governors’ wives’ quarterly meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, she led those present to observe a minute of silence in honour of Onwenu.
She described Onwenu as a mother of the nation and a pillar of support to her.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of the Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu, especially as I still interacted with her recently.
“Her extraordinary talent, creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song ‘One Love Keep Us Together’ has left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only in Nigeria but globally.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, associates, and friends during this period of grief. May the Lord God grant them the strength to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss. She left us doing what she loved,” she said.
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described the late Onwenu as a gift to her generation.
In a press statement on Wednesday, the governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports, Dr Onyeka Onwenu.
“Onwenu was a gift to her generation. Sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting, hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes.
“Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, as she laced her music with nuggets for social revival. She wore many caps elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader.
“Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused in the many avenues she used in agitating for a more prosperous nation,” the statement read.
The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described the death of Onwenu as the exit of a “nightingale and a music icon.”
Mbah said the demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession had dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans, and the music world as a whole.
“This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. Coming on the heels of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Onyeka Onwenu’s sudden death is one death too many and has dug a gaping hole in our hearts.
“As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.
