Onyeka Onwenu, the iconic Nigerian singer, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72.
The award-winning singer was confirmed dead at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos.
Onwenu had performed at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, the founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, where she reportedly collapsed.
Speaking about her last moments, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, her sons, revealed that the doctors “made every effort to save her life”.
They described their mother as a “national treasure, an icon, and legend” whose impact will be deeply felt.
“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed,” the statement reads in part.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a national treasure, an icon and legend, who inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world with her music, acting, philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. She is greatly loved and missed.”
News of her demise came as a shock, sparking several tributes from fans and notable personalities.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu issued a statement describing Onwenu as a “versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many”.
He added that her legacy will “live on through her immortal masterpieces.”
See more tributes below:
Adieu Onyeka Onwenu, Nigeria’s music legend, broadcaster, actress and social activist. Your brilliance, poise, impeccable works and professional candor marked your stardom. You were proudly Nigerian.Thank you for incredible contributions to Nigeria. May your soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/1Wl4O0tBPK
— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) July 31, 2024
It was with shock that I received the news of the passing to glory of the forerunner Onyeka Onwenu, at 72.
AdvertisementThis cultural icon leaves behind a legacy of remarkable service and dedication. She served the generation of my parents, who would be centenarians today if still living,… pic.twitter.com/QQBThLF7vA
— Paul Adefarasin (@pauladefarasin) July 31, 2024
I have always admired Onyeka Onwenu's powerful voice and the messages in her music—she was a true icon, a talented artist, and an advocate for social change. Her music transcended generations and borders and struck a chord with people from all walks of life.
AdvertisementToday, along with… pic.twitter.com/CAGyrLUg9u
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 31, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of “The Elegant Stallion”, Onyeka Onwenu, MFR, especially as I still interacted with her not too long ago during the event to celebrate Mothers of our Nation, on the 25th of May, 2024.
Her extraordinary talent, creativity and… pic.twitter.com/8CxZmMRnz4
— Sen Oluremi Tinubu, CON (@SenRemiTinubu) July 31, 2024
Onyeka Onwenu was a profoundly gifted artist, an exceptional broadcaster, and a remarkable soul. Through her music, she breathed life into our spirits and inspired hope in our hearts.
We will forever cherish the joy and vibrancy her melodies brought into our lives, and the… pic.twitter.com/fZZv2bAQOG
— Femi Adebayo (@realfemiadebayo) July 31, 2024
RIP ONYEKA ONWENU 💔
Thanks for the melodies
Thanks for the memories.
You live forever 🧘🏽♂️🤍— Laycon (@itsLaycon) July 31, 2024
With deep sorrow, we mourn the remarkable Onyeka Onwenu, whose life was devoted to her passion for music and advocacy. Her legacy endures through her timeless songs and steadfast spirit.
Her iconic song "One Love," with its profound lyrics, will continue to inspire us and serve… pic.twitter.com/44Nchx9b7J
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) July 31, 2024
RIP to the legend Onyeka Onwenu. Your impact on music will forever be felt 💔🕊️. You remain in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/L6WXVpzCch
— Nissi (@NissiNation) July 31, 2024
Oh dear, I am so sad to learn of the passing of Onyeka Onwenu, MFR. Onyeka was a multi-talented woman whose impact would stand the test of time. She was a transformational journalist whose works, such as the documentary “Nigeria: The Squandering of Riches,” are timeless. Her… pic.twitter.com/GG07TWVGgu
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) July 31, 2024
Shocked to learn of the death of a talented Sister and Nigerian icon, legendary artist, singer songwriter and Human rights activist Onyeka Onwenu whom I have known since undergraduate days when she attended Wellesley College, Massachusetts. Deeply saddened. My heart goes out to…
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) July 31, 2024
Good night my big Sister ONYEKA ONWENU one of Africa's greatest performers… Please, rest in peace Ma… pic.twitter.com/wDv4tjlR67
— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) July 31, 2024
Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 31, 2024
My childhood hero ❤️
Thank you for sharing your gift with us, Ma.ICON 👑 Onyeka Onwenu 👑 🕊 pic.twitter.com/jyisFgpbQF
— ✊🏾 yemialade (@yemialadee) July 31, 2024
Onyeka Onwenu was an incredibly gifted artist, a talented broadcaster, and an amazing human being. She spoke up for the oppressed and used her songs to inspire hope.
We will remember her for the joy and colour her music brought to our homes and the values she stood for.
I will… pic.twitter.com/g726shEss8
— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) July 31, 2024
RIP Ma Onyeka onwenu🕯️💔😔🕊️😥 pic.twitter.com/hlFEZ4v1ZL
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) July 31, 2024
We have lost a true Legend. Onyeka Onwenu was an extraordinary woman whose voice, talent, and spirit touched countless lives. Her contributions to Nigeria as a singer, entrepreneur, and advocate for women will forever be remembered. My deepest condolences to her family and loved… pic.twitter.com/x4zWHN783d
— D'banj D Kokomaster (@iamdbanj) July 31, 2024
Today, we mourn the passing of an icon, a legend whose voice and presence have resonated deeply with us all—Onyeka Onwenu.
I’m better at expressing myself through my art. “LionHeart” was born out of a desire to honor and give flowers to the legends that made my childhood… pic.twitter.com/Vze04BGDUp
— Genevieve Nnaji MFR (@GenevieveNnaji1) July 31, 2024
More than just a phenomenal voice… A 360 entertainer!!! Rest in peace, THE Onyeka Onwenu 🕊 https://t.co/AATX1XfRyy
— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) July 31, 2024
Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear @OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her. 😭😭
Our sister, Onyeka was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her… pic.twitter.com/L7PxG13T9z
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) July 31, 2024
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of Nigeria's most versatile music exports, Dr. Onyeka Onwenu.
Onwenu was a gift to her generation. Sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting, hers was a gift well deserving.
/1 pic.twitter.com/KJCyIqtI1T— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) July 31, 2024
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