Lady Onyeka Onwenu

Join us celebrate the Queen of Highlife and her

Onyeka Onwenu (born January 31, 1952) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, and politician. Popularly called the “Elegant Stallion”, she is one of Africa’s most respected female musicians. Onyeka began her career as a journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority before venturing into music in the 1980s. Her songs often blend highlife, pop, and gospel with themes of love, unity, and social issues.

Beyond music, she is also a celebrated actress, appearing in numerous Nollywood films, and has served in public office, including as the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development. Onyeka is admired for her artistry, activism, and strong advocacy for women’s rights and national unity in Nigeria.

Career Highlights

Broadcasting & Journalism

Onwenu began her career with the United Nations in New York, moving back to Nigeria in 1980 to serve at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) during her NYSC year onyeka onwenuWikipedia. She gained acclaim for the 1984 BBC/NTA documentary, Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches, which critically explored corruption in Nigeria and the Niger Delta conflict onyeka onwenuWikipedia.

Music

Onwenu launched her music career with her 1981 debut album, For the Love of You, while still an NTA staffer Wikipedia. Her 1980s and 1990s hits—One Love, Iyogogo, Ekwe, You and I (a duet with King Sunny Ade), and Wait for Me—cemented her status as a household name onyeka onwenu The Nation Newspaperhallmarknews.com. Originally a secular artist, she transitioned to gospel music in the mid-1990s, using her art to address issues like HIV/AIDS, peace, social justice, and women’s empowerment onyeka onwenuogbonoblog.comWikipedia.

Acting

A prolific figure in Nollywood, Onwenu starred in over two dozen films. She earned the AMAA Best Supporting Actress award for Widow’s Cot and gained further recognition in movies like Rising Moon, Half of a Yellow Sun, Lionheart, and many others

Legacy & Passing

Tragically, Onyeka Onwenu passed away on July 30, 2024, at age 72, shortly after a powerful performance of One Love at an event in Lagos WikipediaThe Nation NewspaperPunchNaija News. Tributes poured in: the President, First Lady, entertainment icons, and fans alike remembered her as a “versatile and extremely gifted artiste” who “left us doing what she loved” The Nation NewspaperWikipedia.

From Reddit, one fan nostalgically recalled:

“My fondest memory of Onyeka Onwenu is listening to Iyogogo on NTA 2 Channel 5 on Saturday mornings… Onyeka was a wonderful orator, a multi-talented artist, and a strong advocate for human rights…” Reddit

Another described her documentary work:

“Circa 1984… this episode titled ‘Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches’ is presented by renowned Nigerian entertainment and media legend Onyeka Onwenu…” Reddit

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Summary

Lady Onyeka Onwenu was a legendary figure whose life spanned and transcended multiple spheres—media, music, film, advocacy, and public service. Known for her articulate voice, bold convictions, and soulful artistry, she left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s cultural landscape. Her legacy continues to resonate through her music, films, activism, and the many lives she inspired.