Entertainment

Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2024

Charles Flames

450 Views

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.

Entertainment

Burna Boy Sets Record As African Artiste To Top Billboard Global 200 Chart

The song is currently number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 Exclusive U.S

Published

7 days ago

July 14, 2026

OCHEFA

75 Views

Popular Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has made history as the first African artiste to top the Billboard Global 200 Songs chart.

The Grammy-multiple-award-winning singer achieved the feat after his collaborative World Cup song with Shakira, ‘Dai Dai’, peaked at number one on this chart this week.

The song is currently number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 Exclusive U.S.

The song also moved up twelve places this week to reach a new peak of 55 on the Billboard U.S.Hot 100 chart .

(New Telegraph)

Entertainment

Nollywood star Ricardo Agbor “I waited 18 years before I had twins”

Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.

Published

2 weeks ago

July 7, 2026

OCHEFA

106 Views

Veteran Nollywood actor, Ricardo Agbor, has opened up about his 18-year journey to parenthood, revealing that he and his wife waited nearly two decades before they had twins.

The actor disclosed this during an interview with AfricanAList, where he reflected on his marriage, faith and the challenges he faced before he became a father.

Agbor said that he remained committed to his wife throughout the period, despite the long wait for children.

“I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair,” he said.

Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.

“It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins.

” So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,” he added.

Entertainment

Okonjo-Iweala Showcases Dance Skills As Igbo Masquerades Perform At WTO Open Day Ceremony

WTO Open Day was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).

Published

2 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

OCHEFA

144 Views

The World Trade Organisation’s annual Open Day ceremony was fun as cultures collided, but one performance stole the entire afternoon.

WTO Open Day 2026 was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).

The crowd of international delegates, ambassadors, witnessed the rhythmic and unmistakable sound of the Ogene- a metal gong paired with the deep rattle of the Ichaka.

In a viral video, an Adamma masquerade, adorned in elaborate woven raffia and a beautifully carved maiden mask, strode into the centre of the square and moved with intricate footwork, stamping its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.

Standing near the front of the pavilion was the WTO Director-General herself, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

True to her signature style, she wore a striking, impeccably tied gele paired with a silky gown.‎

As the masquerade swirled, its handlers gestured respectfully toward the Director-General, inviting her into the sacred circle. In Igbo tradition, a masquerade interacting with a leader is a sign of immense honour and spiritual blessing.

‎Dr. Okonjo-Iweala didn’t hesitate as she stepped forward into the open square. The crowd erupted in cheers as the DG immediately caught the rhythm. She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.

For a few beautiful minutes, the weight of global trade policies vanished, replaced by the universal language of dance.

The masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Dr Okonjo-Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile. It was the perfect embodiment of the Open Day’s true purpose: breaking down institutional walls and proving that even in the world’s most serious rooms, cultural pride and joy have a vital seat at the table.

(Credit: Leadership)