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Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72

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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

Nigerian-British Singer Talay Riley Dies in London Stabbing, Others Mourn

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Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Talay Riley, whose real name was Mark Yinka Orabiyi, has been stabbed to death at the age of 35 in East London, sparking an active murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing around 9 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at a property on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown. Riley was found with multiple stab wounds in the garden of the property and was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts.

A second man was also injured in the incident and hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested three individuals nearby on suspicion of murder; two have since been released, while a 27-year-old man remains on bail pending further inquiries.

Born in Nigeria and based in the UK, Talay Riley was renowned as a hit songwriter who collaborated with global stars including Dua Lipa, Usher, Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Nick Jonas, and Khalid. He also worked closely with Craig David on the 2018 album The Time Is Now.

Tributes have poured in from the music industry. British rapper Stormzy commented, “I’m sorry, bro.” Craig David wrote: “Sending so much love to you and the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt and shown from the other side.”

In a family statement, relatives described Riley as a “beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness, talent, and spirit touched many lives.” They added: “We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent.”

Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

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Legendary Beauty and the Beast singer Peabo Bryson dies at 75

As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

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The velvet-voiced R&B balladeer and two-time Grammy Award winner, Peabo Bryson whose soaring duets defined a generation of Disney classics, has died at 75.

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, his children, and his grandchildren.

His family confirmed that the singer passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The news follows reports from earlier in the week that Bryson had been receiving medical care after suffering a stroke.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed both their grief and their gratitude for the life he lived.

“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the statement read.

“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories, and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.”

Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his professional musical journey in the 1970s.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he established himself as one of R&B’s most consistent and respected performers, celebrated for his smooth tenor and emotional range.

While his solo catalog featured numerous hits—including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain”—Bryson gained international fame for his legendary collaborations. He is perhaps best known for his work on two of Disney’s most iconic animated films:

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991) where his duet with Celine Dion -the film’s title track- and earned him his first Grammy Award.

Also, “A Whole New World” (1992) which is his collaboration with Regina Belle for Aladdin became a global phenomenon, winning him a second Grammy and cementing his status as a master of the romantic power ballad.

Beyond his commercial success, peers and colleagues remembered Bryson for his deep passion for his craft and his genuine connection to his fans.

Comedian and television host Loni Love, reflecting on a recent encounter with the singer on a cruise ship, described him as someone who spoke with immense love for his music and shared stories with profound warmth.

As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

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Kanye West performs to 118,000 in Turkey, heads to the Netherlands

The 48-year-old rapper is set to perform in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.

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• Kanye West

US rapper Kanye West on Saturday performed for two hours in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium to an audience of 118,000, state-run Anadolu Agency said.

Among the audience were fans from Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland and the Middle East, Anadolu said.

The 48-year-old rapper is set to perform in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.

Ye has faced a global ‌backlash, ⁠not least for his release of “Heil Hitler”, a song promoting Nazism.

In April, Britain denied Ye entry on grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, forcing the cancellation of a planned appearance ⁠at the Wireless Festival in London.

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