Arts, Culture and Creative Minister mourns Onwenu, describes her as a true legend

The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has expressed deep shock and sadness over the passing of Nigerian music legend, Onyeka Onwenu.

Renowned as the ‘elegant stallion’, the legendary singer, songwriter and actress, who reportedly died on Tuesday evening, July 30 at the Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island Lagos at age 72, was said to have slumped at the hospital where she was rushed to after falling ill during a performance at the birthday party of a friend, Mrs. Stella Okoli, Nigerian pharmacist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister said, “The music world has lost a shining star, a true legend, and a shaper of our cultural identity. Onyeka Onwenu’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled. Her music was a testament to her innovative spirit, and her ability to bring people together through her art.”
A source close to the music impresario disclosed that the late Onwenu took to the stage to perform and shortly after returning to her seat, she suddenly collapsed. Emergency responders swiftly arrived and rushed her to the hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
“It is very sad; she performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli yesterday (Tuesday, July 30), and after performing, she returned to her and suddenly she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the source who also was at the party but
preferred anonymity said.
Musawa noted that death of ‘One Love’, ‘Iyogogo’ among other evergreen hits will have a significant impact on the music industry. “Her influence on generations of artistes and fans is immeasurable. She was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a role model. Her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the music world for years to come,” she added.
The Minister also acknowledged her contributions to the development of Nigerian music and entertainment, saying: “She was a true patriot who used her music to promote unity, harmony, and patriotism. Her music was a reflection of our cultural values, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Musawa further stated that the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy will be working with stakeholders in the music industry to organise a befitting tribute to late Onwenu’s life and legacy.
Born on January 31, 1952, Onwenu was a multifaceted artiste whose career spanned over four decades. She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also a journalist, actress, and politician. Her music blended genres such as highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
In 1987, Onwenu was one of the headline artiste that performed at the Music Against Apartheid tour in Southern Africa, which also had the late Sonny Okosun, and Christie Essien-Igbokwe. The sold-out concert was held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Reacting to news of Onwenu’s death, former Entertainment Editor of Punch Newspaper, Azuka Jebose said: “Today Nigeria mourns the loss of a beloved creative talent, Onyeka Onwenu. Rather than focusing on her death, I’d like to share a personal reflection on how I came to brand her as the “Elegant Stallion.
“In the 1980s, Onyeka was Nigeria’s beloved music diva and broadcaster. Her success in music and pop culture paved the way for her entry into movies when Nollywood exploded in the 1990s. Her iconic nickname, “Elegant Stallion,” was born out of entertainment journalism and became a brand she proudly identified with until her death,” Jebose said.
“In 1987, I had the privilege of covering a Music Against Apartheid tour in Southern Africa, featuring Onyeka, late Sonny Okosun, and Christie Essien-Igbokwe.

As the entertainment editor of The Punch, I was invited to be the MC for the sold-out concert at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe.
“Sometimes in 1987, a young Zimbabwean music promoter, Steve Chigorimbo, arrived to Nigeria’s music business. He came from Harare and recruited famous Nigerian musicians for a southern Africa tour, billed as Music Against Apartheid. I was invited to cover that event. The night before a stadium sold out concert, Steve urged me to be the MC,” he added.

For Azuh Arinze, chairman Yes International Ventures, publishers of Yes! International Magazine, “The news of demise is numbing, shocking, sudden and sad. Very, very sad and unexpected. We still spoke on Saturday, July 27. I never knew it would be our last conversation.

“My first encounter with the no-nonsense and highly principled elegant stallion, Lady Onyeka Onwenu, MFR is a lesson on why never give up. Back then, at the defunct FAME Weekly, where I started my journalism career as an intern, I had suggested an interview with Ms Onwenu during one of our editorial meetings as my story ideafor the week.”

“Beside always being there for me and constantly showering me with love, Aunty Onyeka played for me free of charge (FOC) on August 6, 2005, when I got married to my wife, Nkoli. Despite residing in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, and I living in Akute, a border town between Lagos and Ogun State, when we had our first child, Nmesomachukwu, she journey all the way most Sundays just to attend b baptism classes preparatory to being my daughter’s godmother,” he added.

Describing the impact of Onwenu’s as huge, mega, Azuh said, “Her memory will forever live in her songs and in the lives of all those that crossed paths with her. She must be immortalized, even though she has somehow done so herself.

She must also be emulated for her creativity, carriage, confidence, charisma, character, composure, competence and above all for being her self. Unique, distinct and distinguished.”