#### Early Life and Background
– **Birth**: Onyeka Onwenu was born on January 31, 1952.
– **Family**: She is the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who passed away in an auto crash when she was four, just a week before his appointment as Minister for Education.
– **Hometown**: Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, Ideato North, Imo State, but was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
– **Education**: She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA, earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication.
#### Career Milestones
– **Music Career**: Onwenu began her music career in the 1980s and quickly earned the nickname “Elegant Stallion.” She released several albums, blending highlife, pop, and gospel. Some of her iconic songs include “One Love” and “You and I.”
– **Acting Career**: Onwenu made a significant mark in Nollywood, starring in films such as “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Lion Heart,” and “Muna.”
– **Journalism and Politics**: She served as the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and was a judge on the X Factor series.
#### Advocacy and Humanitarian Efforts
– **Human Rights Activism**: Known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Onwenu used her platform to advocate for women’s rights and various humanitarian causes, focusing on issues like maternal health and child welfare.
– **Latest Song and Advocacy**: In 2022, she released “Rise Up” in partnership with the Rose of Sharon Foundation, owned by Folorunsho Alakija, to draw attention to the plight of widows in society.
#### Awards and Recognition
– Onwenu has received numerous awards for her contributions to music, acting, and public service, cementing her legacy as a multifaceted icon.
#### Death
– **Passing**: Onyeka Onwenu passed away on a Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
#### Legacy
– Onwenu’s influence spans generations, with her work in music, acting, and advocacy continuing to inspire and impact Nigerian culture and beyond. Her legacy as a singer/songwriter, actress, and social activist endures, reflecting her powerful voice and enduring stage presence.
