Entertainment
Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72
Legendary Nigerian singer, politician and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has died at the age of 72.
She slumped after an impressive performance at the birthday party of Stella Okoli in Lagos, on Tuesday.
The legendary singer was then rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she passed on.
While speaking with Ohibaba.com, the spokesperson for the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), the same society to which the late singer belonged, Muhammed Ahlim, confirmed the report, however, said they were yet to get an official statement from the family.“Yes, it is true.
But we are yet to get an official statement from the family,” he said on Wednesday.
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song “One Love.”Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She has been recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics.
She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
Onwenu has been recognised for her contributions to Nigerian society, including being awarded the National Honors of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Shehu Sani, Omokri Mourn Late Singer
Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, and ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri, have mourned legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu.
Reacting to the development in an X post on Wednesday, Sani said the country has lost a great artist who spread messages of love and peace through her music.
He wrote, “Onyeka, the nation has lost a timeless legend and a great artist who sang from the heart, spreading the messages of love and peace through music. Your melodies will forever resonate in our souls. Rest in peace.
”Also reacting in an X post, Omokri described Onwenu as an elegant stallion, saying that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.
He wrote, “I am heartbroken at the news of the death of veteran singer, broadcaster, and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, at 72.
I knew her, and we bonded over my love for her music, which added value to my early years.
It was one of the greatest honours of my life to collaborate with her and Panam Percy Paul on a charity single I executive produced.
“She was called the elegant stallion for a reason. And the reason is that she elevated music and artistry with her natural charm and stage presence.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a great asset to Nigeria and a significant star on the African continent and beyond. She will be greatly missed.
May her soul rest in peace! Onyeka Onwenu: January 31, 1952-July 31, 2024: Gone but never to be forgotten.”
She Was A Gift To Her Generation — Gov Obaseki.
While expressing sadness over the death of the singer, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described her as a gift to her generation.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the governor said the late singer was “one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports.”
“Onwenu was a gift to her generation—sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting.
Hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing both the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes.
“Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, lacing her music with messages for social revival.
“She wore many hats elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader.
Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused into the many avenues she used to advocate for a more prosperous nation.
“It is sad that we lost her at a time when we needed role models like her to inspire Nigerian youths, who would have benefited from her experience and insights garnered as an active figure in various aspects of the Nigerian experience.
“We will miss her elegance, candour, and infectious charm. I commiserate with the Onwenu family, friends, and associates and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
• Teyana Taylor
American actress and singer Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, taking home three awards each during the ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The event, hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, also saw Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani secure two awards apiece, according to a post on Billboard.
Taylor capped off a remarkable year by winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award.
She was also honoured with the prestigious Icon of the Year award, one of three honorary recognitions presented during the ceremony.
Clipse dominated the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” their hit collaboration with Kendrick.
Lamar added to his impressive BET Awards record by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a ninth time, further extending his lead as the most decorated artiste in the category.
Kehlani claimed her first Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, ending SZA’s three-year reign in the category, and also won Video of the Year for her hit song “Folded.
British singer Olivia Dean, who earlier won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, replicated the feat at the BET Awards, becoming only the fifth artiste to win the category at both ceremonies.
Entertainment
Davido to release new single ‘I Know Who I Be’ June 26
Before the latest announcement, Davido’s last solo release was Be There Still, which dropped in March 2025.
Nigerian singer Davido has announced the release of a new song titled ‘I Know Who I Be’, marking his return with fresh music after a period of limited solo releases.
The track, which features Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay, is scheduled to be released on June 26.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is one of Africa’s most celebrated music stars.
He rose to fame in 2012 with the hit song Dami Duro and later founded DMW, a record label that has produced several successful artistes.
The singer made the announcement on his X page on Monday, telling fans that “the journey to the throne begins” as he unveiled plans for the forthcoming release.
He further disclosed that “my next single I Know Who I Be releases June 26th,” while sharing promotional photographs for the project.
The announcement has generated excitement among fans, particularly because the singer had revealed in May that he would be taking a temporary break from making music.
Before the latest announcement, Davido’s last solo release was Be There Still, which dropped in March 2025. He most recently appeared as a featured artiste on TxC’s track Nakupenda.
VANGUARD
Entertainment
Michelle hosts Tems at new Obama presidential centre
Michelle Obama also told the participants that the Centre was created as a space for young people to explore their talents and find their voices, adding that she and former President Barack Obama envisioned it as a long-term creative hub.
Image : Tems with former United States President, First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. Photo credit: Tems
Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has met with former United States First Lady Michelle Obama at the newly opened Media Suite of the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, where both figures engaged young aspiring artists in a conversation on confidence, creativity and self-expression.
The meeting, which was shared in a video posted by Michelle Obama on X on Monday, formed part of activities at the Obama Presidential Centre’s creative hub in Jackson Park.
The Centre, which opened just days earlier during its June 18–21, 2026 launch events, includes a Media Suite designed to give young people access to tools for music production, podcasting and other creative training.
In her post accompanying the video, Michelle Obama wrote: “Tems and I met with some aspiring artists at the Obama Presidential Centre’s new Media Suite! Barack and I hope this Media Suite will become a place where young people can find their voice, learn about music, and make beautiful art.
”Inside the session, Tems expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the participants, while also highlighting the importance of authenticity in building confidence as an artist.
“I got a chance to meet these beautiful, talented girls, and I’m so grateful to the Obama Centre and to Michelle Obama for inviting me,” she said.
Michelle Obama also told the participants that the Centre was created as a space for young people to explore their talents and find their voices, adding that she and former President Barack Obama envisioned it as a long-term creative hub.
In a response to a student’s question about stage confidence, Michelle Obama emphasised consistency and practice, noting that self-assurance is developed over time through experience.
Tems, in her own contribution, encouraged the young artists to embrace individuality and creative honesty. She said:“You have to do things that bring more of you out, like that, make you more authentic. That helps with confidence…. I really believe in what these guys are doing here, which is also why I started the Leading Vibe initiative, who supports young women in music in every way
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