Onyeka Onwenu slumps, dies after performing at Stella Okoli’s birthday

A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night when Nigeria’s celebrated singer and songwriter, Onyeka Onwenu, collapsed and passed away shortly after her performance at a birthday celebration in Lagos. In a deeply unsettling development, the artist, affectionately referred to as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ reportedly died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos following her collapse at a private event.

Sources close to the family revealed that Onwenu was performing at a friend’s birthday party when she finished her set and returned to her seat, only to suddenly slump. Emergency services were promptly alerted, and she was transported to the hospital located in Victoria Island, where she was later declared dead. The exact cause of her death remains unverified. An anonymous source expressed their sorrow, stating, “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.”

Born on May 31, 1952, Onwenu was a versatile artist whose career spanned more than forty years. She was not only a distinguished singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician. Her music, which incorporated elements of highlife, reggae, and pop, frequently tackled social and political themes. Among her most beloved songs are “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”

In addition to her illustrious musical career, Onwenu was recognized for her active engagement in political matters. She held the position of chairperson for the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. Earlier this year, Onwenu disclosed her intention to produce a film that would chronicle her extensive experiences within the music industry over several decades.

She conveyed her enthusiasm for sharing her personal narrative regarding the evolution of Nigerian music. Furthermore, she discussed her plans to collaborate with emerging artists to compile a collection of reimagined versions of her classic songs, which is anticipated to be released later this year. It remains uncertain whether the feature documentary or the remix of her renowned songs was completed prior to her passing.