Onyeka Onwenu Biography
Onyeka Onwenu Biography – Onyeka Onwenu born on 31 January 1952 was a multifaceted Nigerian figure known for her work as a singer/songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and a former judge on the X Factor series. Known as the “Elegant Stallion” for her influence on African culture and entertainment, Onyeka Onwenu also served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Profile
- Full Name – Onyeka Onwenu
- Date Of Birth – 31 January 1952
- Age – 72 Years old
- Parents – D. K. Onwenu
- Occupation – Broadcaster, singer, actress, politician
- State Of Origin – Ideato North, Imo State
- Nationality – Nigeria
Onyeka Onwenu Early Life and Education
Born on 31 January 1952, Onyeka Onwenu was from Arondizuogu in Ideato North, Imo State, but grew up in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She was the youngest daughter of D. K. Onwenu, a Nigerian educationist and politician who died in a car accident when she was four, just before he was to be appointed Minister for Education. Her mother, Hope, was left to raise five children alone after her husband’s family denied her access to his property. Onyeka Onwenu earned a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York. Before returning to Nigeria in 1980 to complete her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos, she worked as a tour guide for the United Nations.
Onyeka Onwenu Career
At NTA, Onyeka Onwenu made her mark as a newsreader and reporter. In 1984, she wrote and presented the acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” which addressed corruption and the Niger Delta’s resource control and environmental issues. She also worked as a TV presenter, hosting the shows “Contact” (1988) and “Who’s On?” (1993) on NTA Network.
Onyeka Onwenu SongsÂ
Starting as a secular artist, Onyeka Onwenu transitioned to gospel music in the 1990s, writing songs addressing health (HIV/AIDS), peace, women’s rights, and children’s issues. She began her recording career in 1981 with the pop album “For the Love of You,” followed by “Endless Life” in 1982. Her first Polygram album, “In The Morning Light,” was released in 1984 and featured the track “Masterplan.” She continued to release music with an Afrocentric focus and collaborated with Sunny Ade on tracks like “Madawolohun (Let Them Say).” Her last secular album was “Dancing In The Sun” in 1988. She later released a gospel collection, “Inspiration for Change,” and partnered with La Cave Musik and Jungle Entertainment Ventures to release “Rebirth of a Legend.” Onyeka Onwenu was honored for her contributions to Nigerian music and arts.
Onyeka Onwenu actingÂ
Onyeka Onwenu acting debut was in Zik Zulu Okafor’s “Nightmare,” and she appeared in many Nollywood films. She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in “Widow’s Cot” (2006) and was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role in “Rising Moon” (2006). She also starred in “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2014) and “Lionheart” (2018).
Onyeka Onwenu Personal Life and Death
Onyeka Onwenu kept her personal life private, revealing little about her ex-husband, a Yoruba Muslim. She had two children, Tijani Charles and Abraham. On 30 July 2024, she collapsed after a performance at a friend’s birthday party in Lagos and was pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital. She was 72.
