By Our Reporter
Nigerian ace singer, songs writer, actor, journalist and politician, Ms Onyenka Onwenu has passed away on Tuesday evening at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos State, as she reportedly slumped following her performance at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, held at Banana Island.
Nigerians across different divides have continued to eulogize the departed, with many appreciating her passion, patriotism which reflected in her songs and social conducts. Others agreed that she died doing what she knew to do most.
An unnamed sympathizer who witnessed the incident said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli .., and after performing she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it.”
Also, netizen who reacted to her death said: “Nigeria has truly lost a legend. Onyeka Onwenu will forever be in our hearts. The last time I watched her perform was at one of the AY shows. No one was sitting as she performed. This one really touched our soul as a nation. 72 years well lived. Rest in peace.”
The Guardian Newspaper in its own report said that her family is yet to confirm the death, as at the time of this report.
Born 31st January 1952, the late singer was dubbed “The Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, was at a time the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Some of her evergreen songs include ‘One Love,’ ‘Wait for me’ which she sang with Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, ‘ Iyogogo,’Ekwe,’ ‘Alleluia’, among others.
Onwenu also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
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