*Pix below: Rallied without success to save Onyeka Onwenu
Nigerian legendary musician Onyeka Onwenu, popularly known as the “Elegant Stallion”, has died at the age of 72.
Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday.
She was said to have been rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she reportedly passed away.
A source, speaking on the condition of anonynmity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight. After performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”
…13 things to know about Onyeka Onwenu:
1. Onwenu was born in 1952, at Obosi, Anambra State
2. She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
3. She had since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.
4. Onwenu had also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
5. Beforethen, she was a newcaster at NTA
6. In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu had also been involved in politics.
7. She was appointed Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
8. She later became Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2013.
9. In 2011, she was awarded the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
11. Because she behaved essentially like a man, Nigerian showbiz writers gave her a nickname, ‘Elegant Stallion’, which she later told this reporter she cannot be a stallion, being a woman, noting that a better appellation would have been ‘Elegant Mare.’
12. She was married to a Yoruba Muslim in 1984
13.Though she was from Arondiziogu, Imo State but born in Obosi, Anambra State, she quickly recognized anybody from Obosi, especially around Nwokoye compound when she saw them./###
