Onyeka Onwenu was a multi-talented Nigerian singer-songwriter, actress, journalist, human rights and social activist, politician, and former judge on the X Factor series.
She was fondly known as the “Elegant Stallion,” a title given to her by the Nigerian press due to her grace and poise.
Over her illustrious career, she held significant roles, including serving as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Early Life
Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952, in Arondizuogu, a prominent town in Ideato North, Imo State, southeastern Nigeria.
However, she was raised in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
Onyeka was the youngest daughter of D. K. Onwenu, a revered Nigerian educationist and politician who tragically passed away in a car accident when she was just four years old.
His untimely death came only a week before he was to be appointed as Nigeria’s Minister for Education.
After his death, Onyeka’s mother, Hope Onwenu, was left to raise their five children alone, facing significant hardships, including being denied access to her late husband’s property by his family.
Education
Onyeka Onwenu was highly educated, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA.
She furthered her education by earning a Master of Arts degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York.
Before returning to Nigeria, Onyeka worked as a tour guide at the United Nations, an experience that broadened her worldview and deepened her commitment to social justice.
Career
Broadcasting
Onyeka Onwenu began her career in Nigeria as a newsreader and reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Lagos.
She gained widespread recognition in 1984 when she wrote and presented the documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” which was a collaboration between the BBC and NTA.
This documentary, which critically examined corruption and environmental degradation in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, became an essential reference on the subject.
Onyeka also hosted popular television shows such as “Contact” (1988) and “Who’s On?” (1993) on NTA Network.
Music
Onyeka’s musical journey began in 1981 while she was still working at NTA. Her debut album, “For the Love of You,” was a pop record that included an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash’s “Hold Me Tight.”
She followed this with her second album, “Endless Life,” produced by Sonny Okosun. Both albums were released under the EMI label.
Onyeka continued her musical evolution with albums like “In The Morning Light” (1984) and “One Love” (1986), where she collaborated with Tyna Onwudiwe and incorporated a more Afrocentric sound in subsequent albums like “Dancing In The Sun” (1988).
By the 1990s, Onyeka transitioned to gospel music, where she addressed social issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s rights, and children’s welfare through her songs.
Her gospel collections, including “Inspiration for Change,” focused on promoting positive societal change in Nigeria.
Onyeka collaborated with international music organizations, including La Cave Musik in Paris and Jungle Entertainment Ventures in the UK, for projects such as “Rebirth of a Legend.”
She also served as a judge on the Nigerian edition of X Factor in 2013, further solidifying her status as a music legend.
Acting
Onyeka Onwenu’s acting career began with her role in Zik Zulu Okafor’s film “Nightmare, where she played a childless woman who adopts an abandoned baby.
She went on to star in several Nollywood movies, earning accolades for her performances.
In 2006, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in “Women’s Cot.”
She was also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the same awards for her role in “Rising Moon.”
Onyeka’s acting portfolio includes roles in internationally recognized films like “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2014) and “Lionheart” (2018).
Politics and Activism
Onyeka Onwenu was an active member of Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She twice ran for the position of Local Council Chairman in her home area of Ideato North Local Government, Imo State, but was unsuccessful in both attempts.
Despite these setbacks, she was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and later as the Executive Director of the National Centre for Women Development by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013.
As an activist, Onyeka fought for various causes, including intellectual property rights. In 2000, she famously protested against the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for using her song “Iyogogo” without permission.
Her protest, which included a hunger strike, drew attention to the plight of Nigerian artistes and their rights.
Personal Life
Onyeka Onwenu was known for her discretion regarding her personal life. She was married to a Yoruba Muslim, with whom she had two sons, Tijani Charles and Abraham.
Despite the challenges in her marriage, including its eventual dissolution, Onyeka remained a devoted mother, raising her children and providing for their education from kindergarten to master’s degree level.
In interviews, Onyeka discussed her experiences with marriage, divorce, and the importance of mental health and well-being in relationships.
She emphasized that her decision to leave her marriage was to protect her own sanity and to provide a healthier environment for her children.
Discography
Onyeka Onwenu’s musical career spanned several decades and genres. Her discography includes:
- For the Love of You (1981)
- Endless Life (1982)
- In The Morning Light (1984)
- One Love (1986)
- Dancing In The Sun (1988)
- Onyeka! (1992)
- Inspiration for Change (Date unspecified)
Filmography
Onyeka Onwenu’s contributions to Nollywood include an impressive list of films:
- Nightmare
- Not Your Wealth
- Conspiracy
- Chain Reaction
- Government House
- Women’s Cot
- The Tyrant
- Rising Moon
- Omalinze
- Every Single Day
- Different World
- To Love an Angel
- The Trinity
- Half of a Yellow Sun (2014)
- Lionheart (2018)
- God Calling
- Muna
- Ije Awele
- Obara’M
Awards and Nominations
Onyeka Onwenu’s career was adorned with numerous awards and nominations, including:
Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Women’s Cot” (2006)
Nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Rising Moon” (2006)
Her work in music, film, and activism earned her recognition and respect both in Nigeria and internationally.
Social Media Handles
Twitter: @OnyekaOnwenu
Instagram: @onyekaonwenu
Facebook: Onyeka Onwenu
Cause of Death
Onyeka Onwenu passed away on 30 July 2024 after collapsing during a friend’s birthday party in Lagos.
She was rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The exact cause of her death has not been officially disclosed.
Controversy
Onyeka Onwenu’s career was not without controversy. One of the most notable incidents was her controversial disengagement from the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) in 2016.
Onyeka described the challenges she faced, including allegations of favouritism and ethnic bias, sabotage by some staff members, and a lack of cooperation from the overseeing ministry.
Despite these difficulties, she maintained her integrity and dedication to improving the centre until her departure.
Onyeka also faced public scrutiny regarding her personal life, particularly her divorce and the numerous rumours surrounding her relationships with high-profile Nigerian men.
She candidly addressed these issues in various interviews, emphasizing her commitment to her values and the importance of self-respect.
Net Worth
At the time of her death, Onyeka Onwenu’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 (USD), equivalent to approximately ₦195 million in Nigerian Naira.
Her wealth was accrued through her diverse career in music, film, and public service, as well as her various business ventures.
