By Stevenie Michaels
In January 2022, the late Onyeka Onwenu shared her burial wishes with her children:
"I've told my family how I want to be buried. Do it quickly, quietly, and privately. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterward. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Mourn, but not excessively. Make merriment and then go about your business.
"If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I'm alive, so I can enjoy it with them, not when I'm gone and have no idea."
Sadly, Onyeka Onwenu passed away on July 30, 2024, at the age of 72, after a sudden collapse at Stella Okoli's birthday party.
The celebrated Nigerian singer, actress, media personality, and politician was born on January 17, 1952. Her vibrant life was marked by numerous achievements in music, film, and public service, earning her several accolades, including an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2006.
Onwenu was a pioneering figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, known for her relentless commitment to activism, particularly evident in her 2000 protest against the Nigerian Television Authority over unpaid royalties. She was also a dedicated advocate for women's development and cultural preservation in Nigeria, serving in various political roles and taking a strong stance on human rights.
The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry. Onwenu's legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations.
