End of an Era: Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu Goes Home

By Eric Elezuo

The curtain fell on July 30, 2024 when after a classical performance at the birthday party of a dear one, and Chairman, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli, popular singer, Onyeka Onwenu, better known as Elegant Stallion, slumped and was confirmed dead at the Reddington Hospital. It was indeed a black day for the Nigerian music industry.

Exactly one month after, the music icon, who has many hits to her credit, was committed to mother earth in the presence of loved ones, family members, colleagues in journalism, entertainment, Nollywood and music and selected members of the public.

Onwenu, who died at the age of 72, had a service of songs held in her honour at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, before her remains were laid to rest in private burial at Ebony Vault in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Eyewitness reports that her remains were placed in a white coffin, and transported by a white chariot to the venues, where friends and family members took turns to relive her life and times in glowing tribute and also pen l down their tributes at the condolence table which was beautified with flowers and candles.

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 rose to fame with her distinctive voice and meaningful lyrics that address issues in society. She became known as the “Elegant Stallion” for her grace.

Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film. She has been recognised as one of the pioneers of Nigerian music. One of her classic performances in Nollywood remains Conspiracy, where she showcased the glow she was endowed with, as well as giving vent to one of her hit songs, You and I (will live as one).

In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics. She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.

Onwenu has been recognised for her contributions to the Nigerian society, including being awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Onwenu, as the story is told, was discovered by late legendary musician, Sunny Okosun, and since has churn out sounds that will definitely stand the test of time, and outlive her. Some of her hit songs are One Love, Ekwe, Bia Nulu Olu Anyi among others.

She also had duets with King Sunny Ade titled Choice and Wait for Me.

Among some of the personalities that graced her burial was a former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, who witnessed her last moments.

In his condolence message, Obi wrote:

“Today in Lagos, I joined family, friends and other mourners to pay my last respects to the late iconic song star, my very dear elder sister, Onyeka Onwenu, who was laid to rest. I still recall, with pain, her final moments before she took the final bow on 30th July all of which I completely witnessed. Late Onyeka Onwenu remained a national treasure, who believed in a more united and progressive Nigeria. In her last performance on stage before the tragic incident that fateful day, she sang her popular song, “One Love Keep Us Together”, and this bears significant testament to her belief while she lived here on earth.

“Once again, I like to extend my condolences to her children, family, friends, loved ones, and all of us, during this difficult time. May we all find the strength and courage to bear her sad irreplaceable loss. May God grant her eternal rest and protect, and bless her family always. -PO”

Also expressing his condolences, singer-songwriter, television presenter, actor, producer, and contemporary of the deceased, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy, who posted the video of the burial process on his social media handles said, “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains. Farewell our darling Onyeka Owenu. You are Loved.”

A Nigerian writer, jazz musician and filmmaker, Onyeka Nwelue posted a picture of himself standing with Onwenu and wrote on his X page, “When EFCC released me from their Benin cell, Onyeka Onwenu called Magu in front of me and told him, “Sir, this is my son your people locked up without telling him what he did.” Might I need another protector?”

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State was also present at the funeral events.

The singer, broadcaster, actress, politician, and activist is survived by two sons. May her soul rest in perfect peace.