Iconic all-round entertainer, Onyeka Onwenu dies at 72 years

Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has died at the age of 72.

She was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping a birthday party.

Onwenu attended Fidelity Bank MD, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s birthday party and she took to the stage to perform.

After her performance, she returned to her seat and suddenly slumped. She was rushed to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she was later pronounced dead.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Onyeka Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, had a career that spanned over four decades. She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician. Her first album with Polygram, In The Morning Light, was released in 1984.

Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”

An eyewitness who was at the party said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.

Her family has yet to announce her death officially.