Entertainment
IGWE Chidubem Iweka III, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi Community, in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra, said that the news of Onyeka Onwenu’s death was received as a huge shock.
Iweka said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Wednesday while reacting to the death of the music icon.
He said that Onyeka grew up in Obosi Community and was very close to his sisters, and described her death as one that would be missed by the community as a whole.
“Her mother is a daughter to our kinsman, Nwaokoye, from Ire village but lived in Umuota village near the church.
“Onyeka spent her growing up days in Obosi. she is well known to us all and had really made our community proud.
“I pray God to grant her soul eternal rest and watch over all loved ones she left behind,” Iweka said.
Chief Collins Anibogwu, The Traditional Prime Minister of Obosi Community confirmed the statement of the traditional ruler.
Anibogwu said that Onyeka’s death was likened to a mother’s death; it is very painful and actually left a huge memories in Obosi land.
“She is one of our daughter’s child that have brought pride and honour to the community. Onyeka won’t be forgotten in hurry,” he said.
The traditional Prime minister urged other children of their daughters to be a shining examples in the course of their careers.
Miss Eucharia Ezeagbor, a retired guardian counselors described Onyeka as one who inspired lots of people that cross her part while living in Obosi.
Ezeagbor said that Onyeka carried a good humour that infected most people at her time as she was seen and looked upon with admiration.
“I will miss her ooo,her music is legendary,” she added.
NAN reports that Onyeka, reportedly died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, after she slumped at the 80th birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli.
She was reported to have performed at the birthday party of Okoli on Tuesday, July 30, and after performing, she slumped.
Onwenu, who is from Imo State, will be remembered for her music albums such as “In The Morning Light, Dancing in the Sun, “One Love Keep Us Together,” among other songs.
She also featured in some Nollywood movies including the Half of a Yellow Sun and Lions Heart, among others.
NAN reports that she graduated from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, with degrees in International Relations and Communication.
She also had a Master’s degree in media studies from the New School for Social Research in New York.
Also before getting into music, Onyeka worked as a journalist for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she was known for her investigative reporting, particularly on social topics.
She also while at NTA, authored the globally famous BBC/NTA documentary on corruption in Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, in 1984.
Onwenu was well-known for her unique combination of traditional African music and contemporary pop.
She sang in both English and Igbo, thus her music is accessible to a large audience.
Onwenu was a member of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).
She participated in Nigerian politics and public service and was the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja from 2013 to 2014.
Onwenu garnered multiple honours for her work in music and advocacy, which include Nigerian national honours such as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and accolades at different music award ceremonies.
She was born on January 31, 1952 and passed on July 30,2024. NAN
A.I
July 31, 2024
Tags: Igwe Chidubem Iweka III Onyeka Onwenu
