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.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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