Entertainment
Onyeka Onwenu: A Nigerian Icon In Music, Film, Activism
Early Life, Education
Onyeka Onwenu was born on May 31, 1952, in Arondizuogu, Imo State, Nigeria.
She is the daughter of D.K. Onwenu, a respected Nigerian educator and politician.
Onyeka pursued her higher education in the United States, studying International Relations and Communication at Wellesley College and later earning a Master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York.
Music Career
Onyeka’s musical journey began in 1981 with her debut album “For the Love of You.”
She quickly became a prominent figure in Nigeria’s music scene, known for her ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary music.
Some of her well-loved songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “You and I”.
Advocacy, Activism
Onyeka is not just a musician but also a passionate activist. She has been vocal about women’s rights and social justice. In 2000, she made headlines by staging a one-woman protest and hunger strike against the Nigerian Television Authority for not paying royalties on her song. This act of defiance earned her great respect from fellow artists.
Acting Career
In addition to her musical achievements, Onyeka was also a successful actress.
She appeared in several Nollywood films, including notable titles like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Lionheart.” Her roles in these films have further solidified her status as a versatile entertainer.
Political Career
Onyeka’s dedication to public service saw her appointed as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development in 2013.
In this role, she continued to advocate for women’s rights and development across Nigeria.
Business Ventures
Beyond entertainment and activism, Onyeka is also a businesswoman. She owns the Unity Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, which serves as a popular venue for various events.
Family Life
Onyeka is a proud mother of two sons, Tijani and Abraham. Her marriage to a Yoruba Muslim highlights her commitment to promoting inter-ethnic harmony in Nigeria.
She often spoke about the importance of embracing cultural diversity.
Literary Contributions
Onyeka has also shared her life story through her memoir, “My Father’s Daughter.”
In this book, she reveals many untold stories about her life, career, and the significant influence her father had on her.
Writing the memoir was an emotional journey for Onyeka, filled with both happy and painful memories.
Challenges in the Industry
Throughout her career, Onyeka has faced numerous challenges, including gender discrimination and the technical limitations of music production in Nigeria.
Despite these obstacles, she has remained a powerful and influential figure in the industry.
Cultural Impact
Onyeka’s work has had a lasting impact on Nigerian culture. She emphasizes the importance of self-worth and integrity, especially for women. She encourages women to define their achievements and purpose independently of societal expectations.
Onyeka Onwenu’s contributions to music, film, and social activism make her a true icon in Nigerian history. Her story is one of resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to her beliefs and her country.
Entertainment
I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO
In a recent interview with Egungun of Lagos, Blessing CEO, a self-proclaimed relationship and mentorship expert, opened up about her inspiring journey to financial freedom through content creation.
Blessing revealed she earns nearly $40,000 monthly, attributing her success to a unique blend of authenticity, strategic planning, and consistency.
“People are drawn to relatable content,” she explained. “I share real-life experiences and practical advice, which has helped me build a loyal audience.”
READ MORE: Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
Starting from humble beginnings, she leveraged social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to reach millions with her relationship tips and motivational talks.
Her ability to connect with her audience has not only brought financial success but also solidified her status as a trusted mentor.
As a mentor, Blessing also highlighted the importance of personal branding and networking, she said. “There’s lot of money in content creation, Your story is your power.”
Her journey is a testament to how leveraging digital platforms can create a thriving business and change financial status.
Watch video here
Entertainment
Nicki Minaj Teams Up With Davido On ‘The Pink Print’ Anniversary
On November 22, 2024, Nicki Minaj celebrated the 10th anniversary of her critically acclaimed third studio album, ‘The Pink Print’, by releasing a special edition packed with four new tracks featuring a lineup of global stars, including Nigerian sensation, Davido.
First released in December 2014, The Pink Print became a cultural milestone, delivering smash hits like “Anaconda” and “Only” featuring Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.
A decade later, Nicki Minaj reinvents the magic with fresh collaborations, one of which sees Davido appear on “If It’s Okay,” a track that also includes the talents of French DJ and producer David Guetta.
READ MORE: Nicki Minaj Remains the GOAT, Tacha Praises Amid Singer’s Grammy Mishap
This collaboration marks the second time Davido and Nicki Minaj have joined forces, following their hit “Holy Ground” from Davido’s 2020 album A Better Time.
Nicki Minaj expressed her appreciation for Davido’s contribution to the new track on her X account, a post that immediately sparked excitement among her Nigerian fans.
Known for her occasional use of Nigerian Pidgin English online, Minaj continues to resonate deeply with her audience in the region.
The 10th-anniversary edition also features “Turn Yo Cap Back” with Swae Lee, “Arctic Tundra” with the late Juice WRLD, and “Remember Me,” featuring Parker Ighile. These additions showcase Minaj’s ability to evolve while remaining true to her legacy.
Since the release of The Pink Print, Nicki Minaj has solidified her status as a global icon and one of the most influential female rappers in history. Her new tracks not only honor the original album’s success but also underline her enduring relevance in the music industry.
Check the post here
Entertainment
Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
Renowned Nigerian artist Wizkid recently released his highly anticipated album, Morayo, but the project has ignited a storm of opinions online.
While some fans hailed it as another masterpiece, critics like popular Twitter commentator Daniel Regha have called the album a disappointment, labeling it “quantity over quality.”
In a scathing review posted hours after the album’s release, Daniel Regha rated Morayo 3.5/10, citing repetitive tracks, uninspiring lyrics, and a lack of emotional depth. Regha argued that the album appears designed for TikTok virality rather than offering meaningful musical content.
Key Criticisms from Daniel Regha
Regha pointed out that tracks like “Bend” felt shallow and overly simplistic, while collaborations such as “Bad Girl” featuring Asake failed to live up to expectations. According to him, the standout tracks “Pray” and “Kese (Dance)” provide a glimpse of originality, but they aren’t enough to save the album. He further criticized Wizkid for not dedicating any song to his late mother, an omission many fans found surprising.
READ MORE: Wizkid Drops Sixth Studio Album ‘Morayo’
Regha concluded by suggesting the album would have been better off as a four-to-five-song EP, stating, “Wizkid needs new musical ideas.”
Fans and Critics React
Regha’s critique sparked divided opinions on social media, with some fans agreeing and others fiercely defending the album. A Twitter user, @AdegboyeBodunde, echoed Regha’s sentiment, comparing Morayo unfavorably to projects by rising artists like Fola Baloranking and Minz. “Honestly, the album is so below average. Even new artists are coming out with bangers back to back,” he tweeted.
However, others were quick to dismiss Regha’s comments, questioning his authority to critique music. @africanvogue lashed out, saying, “Why give this wicked boy a voice? He knows he will get a response from Wizkid’s fans. @DanielRegha has never done anything of worth but pulls down the hard labor of others for his profit. That is criminal!”
Another user, @akinmusi, questioned Regha’s qualifications, writing, “What certifications does he hold in music? Has he authored any scholarly work, thesis, dissertation, or conducted research in the field? I’m genuinely curious.”
Is Morayo a Hit or Miss?
Despite the backlash, Morayo is expected to perform well commercially, driven by Wizkid’s loyal fanbase and widespread hype. The album experiments with new sounds and features top-notch production quality, which Regha himself acknowledged as one of its redeeming features.
However, the larger question remains: Is Wizkid delivering music for artistic growth, or is he leaning too heavily on commercial trends? The polarised reactions to Morayo suggest that Wizkid’s latest project will be a topic of debate for weeks to come.
The release of Morayo highlights the ever-present tension between artistic expression and fan expectations in the music industry.
While critics and fans continue to clash over its quality, one thing is certain: Wizkid remains one of the most talked-about artists in Africa, capable of commanding attention with every move he makes.