President Bola Tinubu has extended his profound condolences to the family of the late Ms Onyeka Onwenu.
Also, the leader of the opposition Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and other Nigerians have mourned the passing of the singer.
Ms. Onwenu was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, mourned the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
The president recalled the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
President Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and highly gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
The president commiserated with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
Onyeka Onwenu, a legendary singer and actor, died at 72 after slumping at an event.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the legendary singer died Tuesday night after performing at an event at Banana Island, Lagos. She was 72.
Onwenu was said to have slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
She was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Victoria Island. LEADERSHIP reports that Her family is yet to confirm the death.
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
She has released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”
Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She was recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu was also involved in politics. She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onwenu was recognised for contributing to Nigerian society and was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. Various organisations also recognised her as one of the most influential women in Nigeria.
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