Tragedy struck on Tuesday night as Nigerian music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, slumped and died after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.
The music maestro, affectionately known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ died at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at the private function.
Onwenu was attending a friend’s birthday party when she took to the stage to perform, but immediately after, she returned to her seat and suddenly slumped.
Emergency services were quickly called, and she was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but sources close to the family described the incident as “very sad.”
Onwenu was a multifaceted artist whose career spanned over four decades, excelling as a singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, and politician.
Her music often addressed social and political issues, blending genres like highlife, reggae, and pop.
Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”
Beyond music, Onwenu was known for her political activism and involvement, serving as chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onwenu had been working on a film and rebranded songs project before her death, but it’s unclear if they were completed.