First Lady Praises Onyeka Onwenu for Leaving an Indelible Mark on Global Music

Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria has sent her condolences message to the immediate family of Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, a veteran Nigerian iconic singer, songwriter, actress and politician who died on Tuesday, July 30, after performing at an event at Banana Island, Lagos. Onwenu was 72.

Tinubu in a statement personally signed, described Onwenu as an extraordinary talent, whose creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of “The Elegant Stallion”, Onyeka Onwenu, MFR, especially as I still interacted with her not too long ago during the event to celebrate Mothers of our Nation, on the 25th of May 2024.

“Her extraordinary talent, creativity and contributions to unity and African values exemplified in her iconic song “One Love Keeps Us Together,” have left an indelible mark on the world of music, not only in Nigeria but across the world.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, associates, and friends during this period of grief. May the Lord God grant them the strength to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss. She left us doing what she loved.”

Onwenu slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, later confirmed dead at a hospital in Victoria Island.

She hailed from Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981. She released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”

Onwenu also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She was recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.

She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.

She was a recipient of the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.