The great Nigerian singer and actress known as Onyeka Onwenu died at the age of 72. The legendary musician allegedly fainted after a show at Stella Okoli’s birthday celebration on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Onwenu popularly referred to as the “Elegant Stallion” had just delivered a thrilling show when she suddenly appeared lifeless on her chair. She was taken to Reddington Hospital in Lagos where she was eventually confirmed dead.
Onwenu was born on 31st January 1952 in Imo State, Nigeria. She initially became a pop singer and rapidly rose to fame because of her unique voice and meaningful songs. She was a popular singer who embraced use of music to address societal issues in her songs. For such a graceful stage demeanor and powerful voice, she received the nickname, “Elegant Stallion.”
Not only was Onyeka Onwenu a success as a musician but she was also a very gifted movie actress. She has featured in so many movies in the Nollywood industry and has exposed herself as a versatile actress. It made her performances loved by audiences and entrenched her more firmly in the cultural memory of Nigerians and peoples of other African territories.
Onwenu was also a journalist and had served as a politician. She was the chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture as she promoted the arts in Nigeria. She also supported women rights and social justice issues throughout her career, being a role model to encourage change.
Her shocking and untimely demise has been deeply felt, and nobody saw it coming. Those at the event said it was shocking, with one person saying, “she was performing energetically and admirably on stage just a few years ago; it is still like I am dreaming.” She would be greatly missed as she was an influential figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, and her death symbolized the sad end of an era in music and film.
