Fuji music icon, Adewale Ayuba, has joined the chorus of tributes pouring in for the veteran singer and actress. Onyeka Onwenu’s death was on Tuesday, July 31, 2024, at the age of 72. In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ayuba expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the music legend.
He described Onwenu as a trailblazer whose immense contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry would forever be cherished. Ayuba emphasized the significant impact of her work. He noted that she paved the way for countless artists and helped shape the nation’s musical landscape.
“I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit, good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.
“Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts on Nigeria entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Other prominent Nigerian mourn Onyeka Onwenu’s death.
Another prominent figure to mourn the passing of Onyeka Onwenu is Nigerian singer and activist, Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy. He expressed his condolences on X where he wrote,
“The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry.
“Onwenu’s death follows the recent passings of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria.
“Onwenu’s legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations.
Oh! My sister, Rest In Peace 😢.”
Afrobeat star Femi Kuti was deeply saddened by the news of Onyeka Onwenu’s death. He expressed shock and disbelief at the loss of the music legend.
“Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu 🕊💔🕊.
“Rest in peace Ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Nigerian Galala music star, Daddy Showkey, paid tribute to Onyeka Onwenu on his Instagram page. He shared a picture of the late singer and expressed his sadness with the words,
“RIP Great Legend Onyeka Onwenu. Nobody know the news wey you go hear when you wake up in morning.”
Onyeka Onwenu was born in 1952 and embarked on her music journey in the 1980s.
Her debut album, “For the Love of You,” released in 1981, marked the beginning of a successful career that spanned decades. Throughout her career, she produced numerous hit songs, with “One Love” becoming a particularly beloved anthem.
Beyond music, Onwenu was a talented actress, starring in several Nollywood films. Her exceptional contributions to both music and film earned her numerous awards and accolades.
Committed to public service, Onwenu held significant positions in government. She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later took on the role of Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
In recognition of her immense contributions to the nation, she was honoured with the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Wizkid’s ‘Kese (Dance)’ Reclaims Top Spot on Apple Music Nigeria
Wizkid’s latest single, ‘Kese (Dance)‘ dramatically returned to the Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 chart. The song temporarily disappeared on November 18, 2024, sparking widespread speculation among fans and music enthusiasts.
Fab.ng first reported the unexpected chart removal. Despite vanishing from the Nigerian chart, ‘Dance’ maintained its position on global Top 100 lists. Remarkably, it remained the sole Nigerian and African track on international charts.
Apple Music’s chart management protocols suggest potential reasons for the temporary removal. The platform commonly investigates potential streaming manipulation. When suspicious activity emerges, they remove and then reinstate tracks after verifying stream authenticity.
Fans and industry watchers developed multiple theories. Some believed the removal resulted from technical complications. Others suspected a deeper investigation into streaming patterns. The exact mechanism remained unclear.
Within hours, ‘Kese (Dance)’ returned to its top chart position. The song demonstrated sufficient streaming strength to reclaim its previous standing. Wizkid’s continued musical dominance remained unquestionable.
The incident generated additional excitement around Wizkid’s upcoming album ‘Morayo.’ Scheduled for release on November 22, 2024, the album generates significant anticipation. Wizkid strategically shared the official tracklist, further fueling fan enthusiasm.
Music industry observers noted the incident’s potential marketing impact. The temporary chart removal inadvertently increased visibility for both the single and the upcoming album. Wizkid’s strategic music release continues to capture the audience’s attention.
The event underscores the complex dynamics of digital music platforms. Streaming charts represent more than simple popularity metrics. They reflect intricate algorithmic and investigative processes.
Wizkid continues to demonstrate his significant influence in Nigerian and global music scenes. ‘Kese (Dance)’ represents another milestone in his remarkable musical journey.
Fans remain eager to experience the full ‘Morayo’ album, anticipating another potential chart-topping release from the superstar artist.
Davido’s “Na Money” music video, featuring Angélique Kidjo and The Cavemen, has earned the prestigious Best Costume/Styling (Craft) award at the 12th Berlin Fashion Film Festival.
The vibrant video is directed by Dammy Twitch and produced by Blessing Uzzi. The video captivated audiences with its colourful costumes, cultural depth, and breathtaking visuals. This celebrates African heritage with impeccable creativity and style.
The win underscores the team’s exceptional attention to detail in showcasing the beauty of African fashion and culture. From the elaborate traditional attire to the contemporary designs, the video seamlessly blends visual artistry with the powerful Afrobeat sound of the track.
This recognition cements “Na Money” as a benchmark for combining music and fashion in innovative storytelling.
The Berlin Fashion Film Festival celebrates fashion and film annually.
It has recognized outstanding talent since its establishment. The festival is part of the larger Berlinale, a global cinema event dating back to 1951.
It focuses on creativity and craftsmanship in filmmaking. The festival highlights emerging talent across various artistic disciplines. It awards prestigious honours like the Golden Bears.
The event attracts filmmakers, designers, and film enthusiasts from around the world. The festival provides a platform for innovative storytelling through visual media.
Recognizing creative excellence supports artistic development. The award represents a significant achievement for artists and creators. For Davido and his team, this recognition underscores their contribution to global cultural representation.
The festival continues to be an important stage for showcasing innovative artistic expressions.
The video’s dynamic visuals and cultural richness not only earned industry accolades but also resonated with fans worldwide.
To experience the award-winning brilliance firsthand, watch Davido’s “Na Money,” featuring Angélique Kidjo and The Cavemen, now.
Let the stunning visuals and captivating storytelling take you on a journey through Africa’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Explore the full list of winners on the festival’s official site and join in celebrating this milestone for African music and fashion.
Reginald Jumbo’s compelling short film “The Interrogation of Lotanna” has earned prestigious recognition with six nominations at the upcoming 2025 Film Joint Awards.
The nominations span major categories. They include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Indigenous Film (Nigeria), Best African Film, and the Best Jury Award for Outstanding Storytelling.
The FilmJoint platform stands as a vital global initiative that connects short filmmakers with international audiences. They provide them with a stage to showcase their creative works.
Through its annual awards ceremony, FilmJoint celebrates exceptional short films that advance African cinema’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Producers Ibukun Serah Adetoyinbo and Oreoluwa Obadofin bring to life a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of civil unrest.
The plot follows Captain Ardo, a military commander tasked with suppressing an eastern rebellion led by the elusive Zuru Nkwu.
After months of fruitless searches, intelligence leads Ardo to interrogate a suspect named Lotanna. Despite enduring severe torture, Lotanna steadfastly maintains his innocence throughout the ordeal.
The film showcases powerful performances from an ensemble cast. The cast features William Chinoyenem, Cassey Oritsejolomi, Anthony Nwahiri, Francis Sule,Michael Embraiz, and Mr. Rala.
Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their respective roles, contributing to the film’s emotional impact and storytelling prowess.
These nominations underscore the film’s artistic merit and its significant contribution to African cinema. The recognition from the FilmJoint Awards particularly highlights the film’s excellence in storytelling, direction, and performance.
Meanwhile, it also acknowledges its cultural significance as both a Nigerian and African production. The winners will be revealed at the 2025 FilmJoint Awards ceremony, where “The Interrogation of Lotanna” stands as a strong contender across multiple categories.
