Onyeka Onwenu, a towering figure in Nigerian music (with beautiful songs to show) and culture, has passed away. Her influence extended far beyond the world of entertainment. She was a passionate advocate for social justice, using her platform to address pressing issues facing the nation.
Known as the “Elegant Stallion,” Onwenu possessed a powerful voice that resonated deeply with Nigerians. Her music was a soundtrack to the lives of many. It blends traditional Igbo rhythms with contemporary sounds. Hits like “One Love” became anthems of unity and hope, transcending generations.
Beyond music, Onwenu was a prolific actress, gracing both the big and small screens with her talent. Her roles were often characterized by strength, resilience, and a deep connection to her people.
Her death is a profound loss for Nigeria. The void left by her absence will be difficult to fill. As we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Check out these 7 classic songs by Onyeka Onwenu.
1. One Love
The song “One Love” by Onyeka Onwenu features the popular lyric “One love keeps us together.” This song has remained a constant presence on Nigerian radio and TV stations for decades after its release. It promotes a message of peace, love, and unity among Nigerians.
2. Wait For Me feat. Sunny Ade
“Wait For Me” is a duet between Onyeka Onwenu and Grammy-nominated Juju music legend King Sunny Ade. This collaboration showcases Onyeka Onwenu’s popularity and commercial success. During the 1980s, she was one of Nigeria’s biggest pop stars.
3. You and I
“You and I” is a love song that demonstrates the influence of funk and jazz on Nigerian pop music in the 1980s. In this song, Onyeka Onwenu uses both Pidgin English and Igbo languages. It remains a favorite soundtrack in Nigerian movies.
4. Ekwe
“Ekwe” is a fusion of funk and Igbo folk music. In this song, Onyeka Onwenu tells the story of a persistent suitor who is interested in a woman who doesn’t return his affections.
5. Bia Nulu
In “Bia Nulu,” Onyeka Onwenu expresses her spirituality. She calls on God to listen to the struggles of his people and ease their burdens.
6. Alleluya
“Alleluya” is another popular gospel song by Onyeka Onwenu. In this song, she expresses gratitude and joy.
7. Iyogogo
“Iyogogo” is a beautiful folk love song. In it, Onyeka Onwenu expresses the depth of her love while asking for total commitment from her lover. The musical group P-Square later used parts of this song in their single “Bank Alert.”
EA Sports has once again brought football and music together by unveiling the soundtrack for the 25th edition of EA Football Club. This year, Afrobeats takes centre stage. Nigerian music sensations Rema, Shallipopi, and Omah Lay feature alongside a global lineup of artists. The highly anticipated football video game will launch on September 27, 2024.
Rema’s hit single “Benin Boys,” which features Shallipopi and Omah Lay’s chart-topping track “Moving,” are among the highlights of this year’s soundtrack. These tracks show the expanding global influence of African music, particularly Afrobeats, in the world of sports entertainment.
This year marks Rema’s second appearance on the EA Football Club soundtrack. He first featured on FIFA 21’s VOLTA Football soundtrack with his track “Beamer.” That soundtrack also included notable Nigerian artists such as Fireboy DML, Burna Boy, Ms. Banks, and Nnena.
Joining the Afrobeats representation is UK-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar, whose 2022 hit “Tomorrow Man” also features on the game’s extensive tracklist.
In total, the soundtrack boasts over 100 songs. It brings together an eclectic mix of international talent. British artist Self Esteem contributes with her song “Big Man.” The song features South African singer Moonchild Sanelly, while Gambian-British rapper Pa Salieu’s track “Allergy” adds another layer of diversity.
British-Nigerian jazz collective Ezra Collective also makes an appearance with their vibrant track “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing.” The song features the soulful vocals of Yazmin Lacey.
This diverse and culturally rich soundtrack underscores EA Sports’ commitment to blending football and music. Also, it highlights the growing impact of African artists on the global stage.
Nigerian star Seyi Vibez recently sparked reactions on social media by declaring himself an “Individual artist” and also unfollowing his label boss, Dapper. This bold move led many fans to speculate that the two-year partnership between the artist and Dapper Music & Entertainment may have come to a contentious end.
Both Seyi Vibez and Dapperdamm unfollowed each other on their social media accounts. Further, this fueled rumours of a split. Additionally, Seyi Vibez wiped his Instagram of all posts related to his music under the label.
The timing of this development coincided with a controversy that had already placed Seyi Vibez under public scrutiny. Just days before the social media drama unfolded, the artist faced massive backlash. This was from Nigerians in Toronto, Canada, for abruptly cancelling a scheduled show without prior notice. The incident drew widespread criticism, adding to the mounting tension surrounding the artist.
As of now, neither Seyi Vibez nor Dapperdamm has officially addressed the alleged separation. Indeed this has left fans in suspense about the future of their partnership. However, a source from Dapper Music disclosed to PM News that the label is awaiting Seyi Vibez’s return to Nigeria to resolve the ongoing issues. The source added that the next steps would be determined following his arrival.
Seyi Vibez signed with Dapper Music in 2022 and has since risen to fame. This is largely due to the success of his breakout single, “Chance (Na Ham),” from his second studio album, “Billion Dollar Baby”. His time with the label has been marked by collaborations with several notable artists.
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema recently graced “The Breakfast Club” with his presence. He discussed his latest musical, “HEIS.” During this candid conversation, the artist delved deep into his artistic journey’ He shed light on the creative process behind his previous album and the inspiration that fueled his chart-topping single “Soundgasm.”
Rema took listeners on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Also, he recounted the meteoric rise that followed the release of his debut EP. This early work, he revealed, served as a catapult that launched him onto the international stage with unprecedented speed.
Notably, the young artist’s swift ascent to stardom defied industry norms. Many believe he should have spent more time “grinding” before achieving such widespread recognition. Despite these expectations, Rema stood firm in his belief that while divine grace played a role in his success, it was his unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic that truly propelled him forward. He painted a vivid picture of his commitment, describing nights that bled into days as he tirelessly honed his craft.
When the conversation shifted to his position within the Afrobeats genre, Rema exuded confidence.
Addressing comparisons to the widely recognized ‘Big 3’ of Afrobeats—Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido—Rema boldly asserted his place among these industry titans. “I’m one of them ones,” he declared, leaving no room for doubt.
The artist went on to emphasize the profound impact he has made on the genre, pointing out that his influence extends far beyond merely creating hit songs. Rema positioned himself as a trailblazer, highlighting his role in elevating Afrobeats to a truly global platform.
For Rema, the measure of an artist’s significance lies not in their age or the length of their career, but in the magnitude of their influence and their ability to create new opportunities for the culture as a whole. He sees himself as a door-opener, paving the way for future generations of Afrobeats artists to reach even greater heights on the world stage. Through his music and his unapologetic ambition, Rema continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for Nigerian artists in the global music landscape.