Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, politician, and X-Factor series judge. She is the youngest daughter of the Nigerian educationist and politician D.K Onwenu.
Dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, she is a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture, and currently the Executive Director/chief executive officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onwenu possesses a BA in International Relations and Communication of the Wellesley College of Massachusetts, USA, and a master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York.
She worked for many years at the United Nations in New York before returning to Nigeria in 1980, where she completed the mandatory one-year National Service, at the NTA where she made an impact as an articulate, incisive and fearless reporter.
In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary called Nigeria, A Squandering of Riches which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria as well as the intractable Niger Delta agitation for resource control and campaign against environmental degradation in the oil-rich region of Nigeria. She has also served on the board of the NTA.
Onwenu began her music career in 1981 while still working with the NTA, releasing the album “For the Love of You”. Originally a secular artist, she now sings mainly gospel music and continues to write and sing about issues such as health (HIV/AIDS), peace and mutual coexistence, respect for women rights and the plight of children. Her latest effort titled, “Inspiration for Change,” focuses on the need for an attitudinal turn around in Nigeria.
She is in partnership with Paris-based La Cave Musik, headed by Nigerian cultural entrepreneur Onyeka Nwelue, and UK-based Jungle Entertainment Ventures, headed by musicologist David Evans-Uhegbu. La Cave Musik is set to release her collection titled Rebirth of a Legend in November.
In 2013, she was named as one of the three judges on the Nigerian version of The X Factor. In recognition of her contribution to music and arts in Nigeria, she has been celebrated by professionals like Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Laolu Akins, Charles O’Tudor, and former PMAN president Tony Okoroji among others in the arts industry in Nigeria.
A member of the People’s Democratic Party, Onwenu was in the running to become Local Council Chairman of her native Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim. On 16 September 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/chief executive officer of the National Centre for Women Development.
Onyeka Onwenu Age
Onwenu was born on 1 January 1952, Obosi, Nigeria. As of 2019, she is 67 years old.
Onyeka Onwenu photo
Onyeka Onwenu Height
She stands at a fair height and fair body weight.
Onyeka Onwenu Husband
Onwenu is married to the father of her children. All that is know is that he has a last name “Ogunlende” because this is the last name of her two sons. However, Onyeka prefers to keep her personal life as private as possible, and not reveal a lot about her family. She speaks openly about her motherhood and relationships with her children, but she does not disclose the name of her husband or if they are still together. When she was asked if she has ever been married to the father of her sons, Onyeka Onwenu refused to answer this question.
Onyeka Onwenu Children | Onyeka Onwenu Sons
Singer Onyeka Onwenu has two sons, Tijani Ogunlende and Onyeka Nwelue. Tijani Ogunlende is a graphic designer and photographer. The other son Abraham Ogunlende is a painter, he is often called “Painterabe.” Abraham regularly organizes his own art exhibitions, where he showcases his artistic creations.
Onyeka Onwenu Net Worth
Onwenu is one of the richest musicians and actresses in Nigeria, she has an estimated net worth of $700,000.
Onyeka Onwenu Songs | List of Onyeka Onwenu Songs
- Iyogogo
- Odenigbo
- African Woman (Izunwanne)
- Chibuzor
- Mama Peace
- Living Music
- One Love (feat. Onyeka Onwenu)
- Ochie Dike (Mama) [feat. Onyeka Onwenu]
- You and I
- Alleluya
- African Woman
- Egwu Ekene
- Turmi
- My World
- Renewed
- Mama Africa
- Bia Nulu
- Am The One
- Help
- Forever
- Gbemi Leke
- Dancing in the Sun
- Keredim
- Odenigbo
- Ogo
- Oh Brother
- In The Morning Light
- Greatest Love
- Falling in Love
- Change
- My Everything God
- How Do I
- Onye Bu Nwanne
- Peace Song
- Nso Nso
- One Nation
- Gaba Niru
- Ko Si
- Just Because
- I Am Blessed
- Oh Woman
- Haleluyah
- My Fathers Child
- African Woman (Izunwanne)
- Renewed II
- Wait for me
- Holy, Holy
- Onyeka Onwenu
- I’m The One