BENIN CITY: Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Fans of the late Onyeka Onwenu, a Nigerian music legend have paid their last respect to her as she makes her final journey home today.
Recall that the veteran singer died at the age of 72.
Onwenu’s funeral was held in the Fountain of Life Church in Lagos’ Ilupeju area of Lagos, followed by a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi.
Recall that the late singer slumped and died on July 30 at Reddington Hospital in Ikeja, after singing at the birthday celebration of Dr Stella Okoli, Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
Truth Live News media reports that Onyeka Onwenu is a singer/songwriter, actress, Television Journalist and social critic and politician among others.
She was the immediate past Director General of the National Center for Women Development in Abuja, Nigeria.
This Government Parastatal, which she managed for two and a half years, is responsible for Advocacy, Promotion, Research on issues concerning Women in Nigeria, as well as Training and Skills Acquisition Programs in such areas as ICT, Small Business Start-Ups, Catering, Dress Making, Knitting, etc.
In 1981, with the release of her first Album, Endless Life, she had described her MUSIC As “African Pop”.
Decades later, that description is still very timely. You will hear traces of Highlife, Afrobeat, Blues, Jazz, Igbo Spiritual and even Juju, a typical Yoruba beat.
Her Music speaks to the listener about the central and humanistic values of love, unity, peaceful coexistence, respect for the rights of all as well as pride in oneself.
She was nominated Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, More
Awards: Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
The “One love, keep us together” crooner will be greatly missed by Nigerians especially at this trying time in our nation.