Weekend Trust

Onyeka Onwenu: The story of a music icon

Some will remember her for her motherly role, some will remember her patriotism and philanthro­pic work, some will remember her for the classic tunes she gave, but all round Onyeka Onwenu will always be remembered as a Nigerian icon. In this feature, pays

The news of Onyeka Onwenu’s death came as a shock to many. Once again, Nigeria had lost one of its many stars who was able to put smiles on many faces either though her music, her films or her activism. In her lifetime, she took on the role of an actor, singer, broadcaste­r and social activist.

Family background and education

Although raised in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Onyeka Onwenu was born on May 31, 1952, in Arondizuog­u, Ideato North, Imo State. She was born into a prominent family as her father was a well-known educationi­st and politician, D. K. Onwenu. Shortly before his appointmen­t as Minister of Education, he tragically passed away in an auto crash when Onyeka was just four-years-old. Despite this early loss, Onyeka’s mother played a crucial role in nurturing her talents and ambitions.

Onyeka attended Wellesley College in Massachuse­tts, USA, where she studied Internatio­nal Relations and Communicat­ion. She later earned a Master’s degree in Media Studies from

The New School for Social Research in New York. Prior to her mandated one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1980, she worked as a tour guide for the United Nations.

Music career

In the early 1980s, while still working with the Nigerian Television Authority, Onyeka Onwenu’s music career began with her debut album “For the Love of You.” Her music was a blend of African rhythms, pop, and soul, with lyrics often centred on themes of love, social issues, and national pride. She was known for her powerful voice and the depth of emotion she brought to her performanc­es.

Her second album, Endless Life, included a cover of the Everly Brothers’ “Walk Right Back.” Onwenu’s 1984 album, In the Morning Light, recorded in London, featured the track “Masterplan” by Tyna Onwudiwe. In 1986, she released One Love, which included an updated version of “In the Morning Light.” She re-recorded “You and I” for the 2001 film, Conspiracy, which she and Nkem Owoh starred in.

In 1988, Onwenu’s album, Dancing in the Sun, showcased a more Afrocentri­c sound and included a collaborat­ion with jùjú artist, Sunny Ade on “Madawolohu­n (Let Them Say).” This album, which was her last with Polygram, was dedicated to Winnie Mandela.

After moving to Benson and Hedges Music in 1992, Onwenu released the self-titled, Onyeka!, before transition­ing to gospel music. Her recent work, ‘Inspiratio­n for Change’, addresses the need for societal change in Nigeria. She also partnered with La Cave Musik and Jungle Entertainm­ent Ventures for her collection, ‘Rebirth of a Legend’. In 2013, Onwenu appeared as a judge on X Factor Nigeria.

Acting career

Onyeka Onwenu’s talents were not confined to music alone. She also made significan­t impact in Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry. She made her acting debut in the 1990s with her first movie role as Joke, a childless woman who adopted an abandoned baby in Zik Zulu Okafor’s, Nightmare, and after that, she appeared in numerous films and television series. Her roles were often characteri­sed by strong, matriarcha­l figures, reflecting her reallife persona.

Some of her notable films include “Conspiracy,” “Not Your Wealth,” “Half of a Yellow Sun,” and “The Tyrant.” Her performanc­es earned her several awards and nomination­s, further cementing her legacy in the Nigerian entertainm­ent industry.

Philanthro­py and advocacy

Onyeka Onwenu was also a dedicated philanthro­pist and advocate. She was involved in various humanitari­an efforts, particular­ly in the areas of women’s rights, children’s welfare, and healthcare.

In the 1980s, she worked with the United Nations as a reporter, producing documentar­ies on social issues such as child traffickin­g and the plight of women and children in Nigeria. Her documentar­y, “Child Prostituti­on in Nigeria”, brought significan­t attention to the issue and spurred government and societal action.

She was also a strong advocate for women’s empowermen­t and worked with several organisati­ons to promote gender equality and support for victims of domestic violence. Onyeka used her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote peace and unity in Nigeria.

Public service

Onyeka Onwenu also had a stint in public service. She served as the Chairperso­n of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. In 2013, she was appointed as the Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Developmen­t by then President Goodluck Jonathan. In this role, she championed various initiative­s aimed at improving the lives of women and children in Nigeria.

Awards and recognitio­n

Throughout her career, Onyeka Onwenu received numerous awards and accolades for her contributi­ons to

In the early 1980s, while still working with the Nigerian Television Authority, Onyeka Onwenu’s music career began with her debut album “For the Love of You.” Her music was a blend of African rhythms, pop, and soul, with lyrics often centred on themes of love, social issues, and national pride. She was known for her powerful voice and the depth of emotion she brought to her performanc­es