Onyeka Onwenu Biography: Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian activist, singer, songwriter and politician. She was well known for her delectable voice. She was known for her song ‘Madawolohun” with King Sunny Ade. Of course, Onyeka also delved into broadcasting. She was one of the first presenters at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA). There is more information on Onyeka Onwenu that would interest you. This article is centred on Onyeka Onwenu life, carer, education and more. Keep reading.
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Profile Summary
Full Name: Onyeka Onwenu
Career: Singer, Songwriter, Actor and Activist
Date of Birth: 31st January 1952.
State of Origin: Imo State.
Nationality: Nigerian.
Onyeka Onwenu Early Life
Onyeka Onwenu was born on the 31st of January 1952. She hails from Ideato North, Imo State. However, she was raised in Rivers State. Onyeka Onwenu was the youngest child of five children. She is the daughter of famous Educationist, D.K Onwenu. Although, she didn’t get to see her dad for long as he died in a car accident when she was four. This was just seven days before he was to be appointed the Minister of Education. The widowed mother had to raise Onyeka Onwenu alone. Things got worse for the family as the family denied Onyeka’s mother access to her husband’s wealth.
Coming to her personal life, Onyeka Onwenu kept a low profile. She often would keep her private life away from the press. Onyeka married a Yoruba man who was a devout Muslim. She gave birth to two boys- Tijani Charles and Abraham.
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Onyeka Onwenu Education
Onyeka Onwenu was very educated. She loved education just like her father. Onyeka Onwenu has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College located in Massachusetts. Onyeka also has a Master’s degree in Media Studies and Research from The New School for Social Research in New York.
After her education, she worked for the United Nations as a tour guide. However, she later flew to Nigeria to enrol for the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). She had her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).
Onyeka Onwenu Career
Onyeka Onwenu’s career had everything you can think of. Here is a roadmap of her career.
As stated earlier, she had her first job in broadcasting. She made her impact felt by reading the news for NTA. In 1984, she wrote and presented the documentary Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches.
This presentation was to highlight the corruption prevalent in Nigeria at that time. It also highlighted the Niger Delta agitation for the control of resources. Onyeka also presented popular shows in NTA such as Contact and Who’s On in the years 1983 and 1993 respectively.
Onyeka Onwenu then delved into making music. She started by singing secular music but transitioned into gospel music. She sang about important issues in the society. These issues include HIV/AIDS, peace and mutual coexistence, and respect for women’s fundamental rights. Although, all this was done while she was still in NTA.
She released her first album in 1981. The album was titled ‘ For the Love of You‘. This album featured an orchestral version of Johnny Nash’s ‘Hold Me Tight’. After some time, she released her second album. The second album was titled ‘Endless Life’. It was produced by Sunny Okosun. This album included a cover of the Everly Brothers ‘Walk Right Back’.
Onyeka Onwenu then signed for the Polygram. She released her first project ‘In The Morning Light’ on the label. This album was released in 1984. It was recorded abroad, in fact London precisely. The album featured the track ‘Masterplan’ which was co-written by her friend, Tyna Onwudiwe.
Onyeka Onwenu had worked with this woman since her time at NTA. Tyna has sung backup in the documentary. In the year, 1986, she released One Love. One Love was an updated version of a song from the previous album.
The year 1988 saw her change her genre a bit. Onyeka Onwenu opted for a more Afrocentric sound in the Dancing In The Sun album. She worked with legendary jùjú artiste Sunny Ade for the song called Madawolohun (Let Them Say). This was the first other song they sang together.
Onyeka and Sunny Ade worked on two more songs called ‘Wait For Me’ and ‘Choices’. This centred on family planning and was later endorsed by the Nigerian Parenthood Association. The album also featured a song titled ‘Winnie Mandela’. She performed this song just after Mandela was released from prison.
In 1992, Onyeka switched to Benson and Hedges Music. This move propelled her to release an acclaimed album titled ‘Onyeka!’. This album was the last secular music she released after which she switched to Gospel music. However, her latest album highlighted the need for a character change in Nigeria.
2013 was the year Onyeka Onwenu became a judge at the X Factor Nigeria show powered by Airtel Nigeria. Onyeka has been recognized by top musicians like Mahmood, Ali-Balogun, Laolu Akins, and former PMAN president Tony Okoroji in the music industry in Nigeria.
Onyeka Onwenu Acting Career
Onyeka Onwenu has acted in numerous films. She made her debut in the movie industry in the film called ‘Nightmare’. Joke is the character of a childless woman who adopted an abandoned baby. She was praised for her performance in the movie. Onyeka was then called upon for several other movies.
She was awarded the Best Actress In A Supporting Role by the African Movie Academy Award. Onyeka was also nominated for her role in ‘Rising Moon’. She was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’.
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Onyeka Onwenu Political Career
Onyeka Onwenu represented the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while in politics. She contested two times to become the Local Council Chairman of her Local Government. Unfortunately, she lost twice. However, Onyeka Onwenu was appointed as the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim. In President Jonathan terim, she was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onyeka Onwenu Age
Onyeka Onwenu was 72 years of age before she died. She was born on the. 31st of January 1952. She celebrated her birthday in Lagos State, Nigeria early this year.
Onyeka Onwenu Death
Onyeka Onwenu died on the 30th of July 2024. According to reports, she slumped and was immediately rushed to the hospital. This was after performing at a friend’s birthday party in Lagos. She was immediately rushed to Reddington Hospital. According to local reports, she suffered a heart attack.
Onyeka Onwenu Activism
Onyeka Onwenu showed her activism on display when her employer refused to pay royalties for her songs. This happened after NTA 2 used her song in “Iyogogo” without her permission.
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As a result, the DG, Ben Murray Bruce blacklisted her from transmission. Onyeka Onwenu then embarked on a hunger strike just outside the station’s building.
This act by Onyeka Onwenu attracted interest from several parties. One of which was Charly Boy who opined that Nigerian TV stations are to pay royalties for songs. After some time, Onyeka and NTA reached an agreement on the payment of royalties.
Onyeka Onwenu Children
Onyeka Onwenu had two children. Both of them are boys. They are Tijani Charles and Abraham. She was married to a Yoruba man. After her death, her children stated that the doctors tried all they could to save her life.
Onyeka Onwenu Last Performance
Onyeka Onwenu’s final performance was at the birthday celebration of Stella Okoli. Stella Okoli is the CEO of Emzor Paracetamol. Onyeka Onwenu must have been invited to be part of the performers on the night. Onyeka passed out after slumping. She was immediately rushed to the hospital where she was confirmed dead.
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Conclusion
Onyeka Onwenu was indeed a good woman. She balanced her work life with her family life. Despite being the last child of five, she has made her mark in Nigeria and the world. She was honoured by the Nigerian Military after her death. Thank you for reading.
