Onyeka Onwenu: The Elegant Stallion’s final performance, by Tosin Brown

Forty-three years after releasing “For the Love of You,” her debut song and album in 1981, Onyeka Onwenu, widely known as the “Elegant Stallion,” has passed away doing what she loved best—singing and performing.

Unknown to many, Onyeka Onwenu’s sterling performance at the 80th birthday ceremony of Chief (Dr.) Stella Okoli on Tuesday, July 30, was her last. The 72-year-old legendary songstress, songwriter, actress, activist, and author had her final performance before slumping to her death.

At the event, she preached peace with her hit song, “One Love,” a message she had championed throughout her 41-year career, before taking her last breath. In what seemed like her final words to her numerous fans across the world and Nigerians ahead of the proposed protest, Onyeka Onwenu delivered a stellar performance to close her life on earth.

Onwenu is survived by her two sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, as well as her extended family and numerous fans. Aptly referred to as a beacon of inspiration and hope by her sons, Onwenu preached and spread unending love throughout her career, which spanned four decades.

The amazing and eloquent Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, a large town in Ideato North, Imo State, where she began her early life after losing her father at the tender age of four and being raised by her mother, Hope Onwenu.

In her memoir, “My Father’s Daughter – My Memoir,” Onwenu revealed signs of stardom and greatness early in her life. She trained as a broadcaster and began her career on television as an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). As a broadcaster, Onwenu made an indelible impact as a newsreader and reporter before her music career took over.

Onwenu’s music career first took flight in 1981 when she wrote and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” while still working with NTA. In 1984, she decided to take a break from broadcasting to focus on music. That same year, she wrote, recorded, and released her sophomore album, “Golden Songs Vol. 1.” She followed up with volumes two and three in 1986 and 1991, respectively. By 1991, Onwenu had established herself in the Nigerian music scene with her powerful vocal abilities, dexterity in performance, and unmistakable voice.

In 1991, Onwenu transitioned from secular to gospel music, becoming a household name with hit songs like “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” “You and I,” “Dancing in the Rain,” “Ekwe,” and “Wait for Me,” featuring King Sunny Ade.

Onwenu made an impressive impact on the music scene and transitioned to acting, debuting in Zik Zulu Okafor’s film “Nightmare.” She went on to feature in over 24 films, including “Widow’s Cot,” “Rising Moon,” “Half of a Yellow Sun,” and “Lionheart.” Her acting career earned her numerous awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

As an author, Onwenu wrote “My Father’s Daughter – My Memoir” in 2020, which received wide acceptance. The book revealed her private life and her decision to leave her marriage due to abuse.

Until her death, the Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) was an active member of the People’s Democratic Party, under which she contested the chairmanship of Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State twice. Although she lost both attempts, she was appointed Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim. On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed Onwenu as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.