Celebrities mourn Onyeka Onwenu

Celebrities have continued to mourn legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu. Renowned for her melodious voice, prolific songwriting, and impactful acting career, Onwenu was an esteemed icon who touched the lives of many through her art and advocacy. As tributes pour in from celebrities and fans alike, her legacy as a trailblazer in the Nigerian music and film industry is being celebrated.

The revered veteran singer died at the age of 72 on Tuesday at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli.

Reacting to the development in an Instagram post: D’banj wrote: “Today we mourn the passing of a true icon, Onyeka Onwenu.She was just more than just a singer, she was a trail blazer, a powerful voice and an inspiration to many.As an entrepreneur and an advocate for women across Niigeria, her legacy in music and culture will remain timeless”.

Songstress Omawunmi described Onwenu as her mother in the industry: “RIP to the icon,My mother in this industry.You have left an indelible mark on all of us.Your words, your legacy will be forever etched in time.I am broken hearted but God knows best.I will celebrate you forever”.

In the same vein rapper and singer, Weird Mc wrote: “No words, not just yet.But I do know one thing .Rest well thanks for being such a personal and professional inspiration.You always gave me access.Love you.Lord thank you for a life well spent”.

 In her message, veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, described Onwenu’s death as “painful and hurting”. Ozokwor in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu on Wednesday said, “Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and for the fact that she was not sick.

“How can everyone be dying like that, what is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country,” Ozokwor said.

Waje in her instagram post wrote: “RIP Mama. You dared to dream.You became a beacon of light.You gave us more than words or melodies.Thank you mama.Your children all around the world are grateful for the inspiration you were and will always be.Your legacy lives on”.

Afrobeats musician, Femi Kuti in his condolence message said: “Rest in peace Ma. Your beautiful voice will live forever.Condolence to her family and loved ones”.

Veteran actor, Richard Mofe Damijo said he is happy to have shared many magical moments with Onwenu.

“Words are not enough.I am happy I got to share so many magical moments with you and one day soon I will tell the story of our many encounters.Resrt in power.An icon”.

Revered actress, Joke Silva took to her Instagram page  on Wednesday to share the video of herself and Onwenu  at the 80th birthday party of industrialist Stella Okoli on Tuesday, dancing enthusiastically.

She captioned it, “My sis, exactly a week ago yesterday I interviewed you at the National Theatre. I loved your dress…”

Pondering on their encounter at the interview, Silva noted that it was a blast as Onyeka responded positively, even taking pictures with the “genzees”.

The actress also described the occasion on Tuesday, saying, “I knew I would see you at Aunty Stella’s 80th. Lo and behold, we were on the same table and had a great time. We all called it the fun table.

“Your performance, as always, was brilliant, sexy, committed, feisty, and so giving. And then we danced, just for two minutes, and then you left… What a bow… with a flourish. Adieu sis… RIP.”