These are not the best of times for the Nigerian Entertainment Sector as Legendary Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu has reportedly passed away at the age of 72.
Reports indicate that she died on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday party for Mrs. Stella Okoli.
According to eyewitnesses, Onwenu had just performed at the event before the incident occurred. Despite immediate medical attention, she could not be revived.
Commiserations have poured in from different quarters even as President Bola Tinubu has also extended his profound condolences to the family of the late singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician.
Tinubu conveyed his condolences through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns Iconic Artiste, Onyeka Onwenu.’
According to Ngelale, “President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition of ‘One Love’ in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.”
“Ms Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” the President stated.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who devoted herself to a wide range of artistic endeavours and expressions, bringing joy and laughter to many.
Onwenu’s remarkable career was marked by her influential music albums, including *In The Morning Light* and *Dancing In The Sun*, as well as her notable roles in films like *Half of a Yellow Sun* and *Lionheart*.
