PMAN, AGN, Others Mourn Late Music Legend Onyeka Onwenu

The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and music fans have expressed shock and sadness over the demise of Onyeka Onwenu, aka Elegant Stallion.

It was reported that Onyeka had just completed a performance at the birthday party of Stella Okoli on Tuesday evening when she was suddenly rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she died at the age of 72.

In an interview with NAN on Wednesday in Abuja, Sydney Asowari, PMAN FCT governor said the late singer died at a time when her wealth of experience was mostly needed in the entertainment industry.

According to him, Onyeka’s contributions to the growth of the music industry and her impact will remain indelible on the sand of time.

“It is a great loss to us especially entertainers and musicians because Onyeka was the stallion, one of the founding members of what we are enjoying today.

“It was really devastating when we heard the news, however our solace is in the fact that she died in active service and left unforgettable memories.

“She was a versatile musician that gave us standard and how to use music to preach love, peace and unity among Nigerians and beyond.

“Onyeka Onwenu was a social crusader who always preach love, especially with her popular and timeless song, One love keep us Together.

“It is really sad because we were still tapping from her knowledge and so we are mourning now because this is great loss,” he said.

Also, Mercy Salma, FCT Mayor of AGN, said the passing of the music legend was a big loss to not just the music industry, but the entertainment industry at large.

“The news of the passing of Onyeka Onwenu has struck the entertainment industry with mourning once again, and a lot of actors have been pouring out their hearts in grief.

“We are totally short of words because this is not the news we are expecting in a time like this, because even at 100 she would have still been useful to us.

“I am sure that is not only the movie industry that will miss her, but the music industry, her fans and Nigerians at large will miss her.

“We pray that God grants her family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” she said.

Also, music fans have continued to pay tribute to the late singer on social media (Instagram) space, saluting her contribution to nation building.

@lolarfro Iyogogo, iyogogo,. wrote:… My Mum’s favorite artist, Rest in the Almighty legend, you’ve left a footprint.

Another fan @edopride, said: “A truly beautiful soul has left us….. We lost a musical icon of an era. May her sweet soul rest in peace.

@nomiescakesandevents wrote; Mama thank youuuuu so much for everything you’ve done for our dear country Nigeria. Thank you!!!! May your legacies reign as well stick in our hearts/lives perpetually.

Onwenu was born in 1952, and began her music career in the 1980s with her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.

She also released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.

The late music legend also delved into acting, as she featured in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film industry in Africa.

Beside her exploits in the entertainment space, she was also a social crusader and a politician.

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.

In 2011, she was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) (NAN)