Veteran Nigerian actress and singer, Onyeka Onwenu, is dead, News About Nigeria reports.
It was gathered that the 72-year-old actress died on Tuesday night after performing at an event on Banana Island, Lagos.
According to reports, the singer slumped after performing at the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, and was rushed to a hospital in Victoria Island, where she gave up the ghost.
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, including Genevieve Nnaji’s Lion Heart, and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.
She has been recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music.
The veteran actress and singer also served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development. She 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 Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
She has also been recognised as one of the most influential women in Nigeria by various organisations.
The actress and singer will be missed by many Nigerians, including her fans.
Her family has, however, yet to confirm the report.
