Renowned singer, songwriter, actress, and human rights advocate Onyeka Onwenu has passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of fans, friends, and family in mourning.
After performing at a birthday celebration in Lagos, Onwenu suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where she tragically passed away.
According to sources close to the family, Onwenu had taken the stage to perform at a friend’s 80th birthday party, returned to her seat, and then suddenly slumped, prompting emergency services to be called, and she was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu had just performed at the birthday of Mrs Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals this night, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it”.
The passing of Onyeka Onwenu will join a growing list of celebrity deaths in 2024, including the recent loss of Lara Odubo, a multitalented TV presenter, actress, fashion designer, and singer.
Lara Odubo’s death was announced by blogger Temilola Sobola on July 28th, 2024, with reports suggesting she had been battling an illness in the days leading up to her passing, although the exact cause of death remains undisclosed.
The Nigerian entertainment industry has been plagued by a string of tragic losses in recent months.
Mercy Aigbe expressed shock and denial over the passing of Lara Odubo’s who seemed to be her close friend . The industry also mourned the loss of veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu, who succumbed to leg cancer, and Dayo Adewunmi, who died in an Ibadan hospital.
Other notable deaths include Zulu Adigwe, whose cause of death remains unknown, Junior Pope, who drowned in a boat accident, Jumoke Aderounmu, who died at 40, Amaechi Muonagor, who battled kidney disease for a year, Ikechukwu Nnadi, who died after a prolonged illness, Sisi Quadri, who died of kidney-related issues, and Mr. Ibu, who suffered a cardiac arrest. These losses have left the industry reeling in grief.
