By By Muminat Ajide
Onyeka Onwenu, the iconic Nigerian singer, actress, journalist, and activist, passed away recently.
Her life and career were defined by a diverse range of roles and achievements, spanning music, film, journalism, and political activism. Beyond her well-known contributions, here are 10 lesser-known facts about Onyeka Onwenu:
1. Multi-Faceted Career: Onyeka Onwenu wasn’t just a singer and actress; she was also a respected journalist, human rights activist, and politician, with a notable stint as a judge on the X Factor series
2. Documentary Impact: Her 1984 documentary, “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches,” co-produced with the BBC, became a definitive expose on corruption in Nigeria and issues like the Niger Delta agitation. She was also named the Elegant Stallion “ by the Nigerian Press
3. Musical Beginnings: Onwenu’s musical career started with her debut album “In The Morning Light” in 1984 under Polygram Records, setting the stage for her blend of highlife, reggae, and pop influences.
4. Socially Conscious Songs: Known for using her music to address social and political issues, her albums like “Dancing In The Sun” featured collaborations with juju legend Sunny Ade and songs endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria
5. Acting Accolades: She made significant contributions to Nollywood, winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Women’s Cot” in 2006. Other movies include Not Your Wealth, Government House, Omalinze, Every Single Day, Different World, To Love an Angel, The Trinity Conspiracy, and Half Of a Yellow Sun, Mother in law, Lionheart, Muna, Ije awale and Obara’m
6. Political Engagement: Onwenu was an active member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and twice contested for the Local Council Chairman of Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo State.
7. Leadership Roles: She served as Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in 2013.
8. Educational Background: Onyeka Onwenu studied Communication Arts at the University of Ibadan, where she learned her skills in journalism and media.
9. Early Career at NTA: Before her music career took off, Onwenu worked as an announcer and newsreader at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), establishing herself as a prominent figure in Nigerian media.
10.Activist: 2000, she protested against her former employer NTA over their refusal to pay royalties on her songs. NTA 2 Channel 5 had used “lyogogo”, a track from the Onyeka
