Obasempire reports that tragedy befell on Tuesday night when Nigeria’s legendary singer and songwriter, Onyeka Onwenu, fainted and passed away shortly after her performance at a birthday celebration in Lagos.
In a surprising development, the celebrated artist, fondly referred to as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ reportedly died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a private event.
Read more: Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Dies At 82
Sources close to the family revealed that Onwenu was at a friend’s birthday party and had just performed on stage. After finishing her set, she returned to her seat and abruptly collapsed.
Emergency responders were promptly called, and she was transported to the hospital in Victoria Island, where she was later declared deceased. The exact cause of death remains unconfirmed.
The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals this night and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”
Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, was a multifaceted artist whose career spanned over four decades. She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician.
Onwenu’s music, which blended genres including highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues. Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
Beyond her musical career, Onwenu was known for her political activism and involvement. She served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. She was appointed Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Read more: 50,000 In Kogi State Live With HIV, Many Avoid Treatment
In March this year, Onwenu had revealed that she was putting together a film that will focus on her experiences spanning several decades in the music industry. She had expressed her excitement to share her personal story of how Nigerian music has changed over time.
She had also talked about plans to collaborate with up-and-coming musicians to release her iconic songs in a compilation of rebranded songs expected to be released later this year.
It is not known yet if the feature documentary or remix of her iconic songs had been concluded before her death.
Click to watch our latest video