To understand the magnitude of Onyeka Onwenu’s impact, one must first traverse the legacy that transcends the conventional bounds of artistry that she left behind. Dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian media, Onwenu, a revered icon in Nigerian music, film, and social activism, built and left behind a career spanning multiple industries.
Born into a Nigeria fraught with political turbulence and societal shifts, Onwenu did not come across to many people as only as a product of her environment but as a defining force that shaped it.
Her journey from the lively streets of Lagos to becoming a cultural icon is as much about personal triumph as it is about the broader canvas of African identity. Yet, what makes Onwenu’s legacy particularly compelling is not merely the breadth of her achievements.
Her father, DK Onwenu, was a self-made man who overcame adversity to obtain his Bachelor’s degree from Fourrah Bay University in Sierra Leone in 1948. His oratory skills and generosity were well known, earning him the admiration of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who affectionately called him “the old teacher”. This made him the singular, most influential person in her life.
Perhaps it was what inspired her to follow in his noble footsteps in seeking a life of impact and service to humanity. She said “Be careful of what you live for posterity. If you can’t give your best, don’t step out because what you recorded is always going to be there for long, so you got to give it the very best.”
Onwenu’s professional career began as a tour guide for the United Nations after years of education in the United States and the conflicts she endured as a migrant. She then returned to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Lagos, Nigeria. Her dedication earned her immediate employment with NTA, where she became a talented newsreader and reporter. She wrote and presented several notable documentaries, including the acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches” in 1984.
In addition to her journalism career, Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s, releasing several albums that addressed social issues such as health, peace, HIV/AIDS, and women’s rights. She released her first album “For the Love of You” in 1981, which featured a pop sound and a cover of Johnny Nash’s “Hold Me Tight”.
Her music, often characterized by its lyrical depth and emotive power, was a soundtrack to the socio-political upheavals of her time. Onwenu’s songs were not just melodies but manifestos, carrying messages of hope, resistance, and profound introspection. Her subsequent albums, “Endless Life” and “In the Morning Light”, were released under EMI and Polygram, respectively. Her music addressed social issues such as health, peace, HIV/AIDS and women’s rights. Onwenu collaborated with veteran jùjú artist Sunny Ade on several tracks that preached these messages.
Her album “Dancing In The Sun” was dedicated to Winnie Mandela and was the subject of a song with the same name which Onwenu performed live when Nelson Mandela and his wife visited Nigeria in 1990 following his release from prison. After releasing her self-titled album “Onyeka!” on Benson and Hedges Music in 1992, she shifted to Christian/gospel music and continued to release music over the years.
Onwenu’s acting career is just as impressive, with numerous film credits to her name. She has worked with renowned actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandiwe Newton, Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, and Genevieve Nnaji in movies such as “Half of a Yellow Sun” 2013 and “Lion Heart” 2018.
Beyond her entertainment career, Onwenu has been involved in politics and public service. She was a member of the People’s Democratic Party and contested for the position of Local Council Chairman of her Local Government twice. She was later appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. In 2013, she was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Her career has not been without controversy. In 2000, she protested against NTA over their refusal to pay royalties on her songs. The protest gained widespread support from fellow artists and eventually led to a resolution between Onwenu and NTA.
Onyeka Onwenu passed away on July 30, 2024, at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a performance at a birthday party. Her legacy will be remembered through her music albums, acting career, and contributions to Nigerian arts and culture.
