Legendary singer, actress, and activist Onyeka Onwenu has passed away at the age of 72.
She died on Tuesday after collapsing at a birthday party in Lagos, where she had performed earlier.
According to eyewitnesses, Onwenu slumped after her performance at the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Stella Okoli.
She was rushed to Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later confirmed dead.
“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today, and after performing, she slumped.
“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” TheNiche quoted a witness who was at the party as saying.
Although her family has yet to confirm the news, tributes are pouring in for the music icon, who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Onwenu was a renowned songwriter, singer, performer, broadcaster, and politician, known for her powerful voice and advocacy for women’s rights and social justice.
Throughout her illustrious career, Onwenu held various prestigious positions, including Chairperson of the Imo State Council of Arts and Culture and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), a position she was appointed to by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013.
Born on January 31, 1952, Onwenu’s contributions to the music industry and her tireless advocacy for social causes have earned her a lasting legacy.
