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Onyeka Onwenu: A Nigerian Icon In Music, Film, Activism

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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.

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Entertainment

‘I’ll Control Him’ — Ayra Starr Reveals What Happens If She’s Richer Than Her Partner

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Ayra Starr Describes Stage Fall as Embarrassing

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has sparked a debate over money and power in relationships after revealing how she would behave if she were financially richer than her male partner.

The “Bloody Samaritan” hitmaker shared her views on financial disparity in relationships while speaking on an episode of the Wahala podcast.

SEE ALSO: Ayra Starr Breaks Records, Hits One Billion Views On YouTube

Ayra Starr said that if she dates a man who is not as wealthy as she is, she would naturally have control over him because of her financial advantage.

According to the singer, however, being richer than her partner would not mean he would be exempted from providing for her.

“If I date a man who I am richer than, I will control him. But even if I am richer, he will still be providing, and I won’t let him know I have a lot of money,” she said.

Ayra Starr also disclosed that she would deliberately keep the extent of her wealth away from such a partner, meaning he would not necessarily know that she has substantial financial resources.

Her comments have since generated mixed reactions from members of the public.

While some people agreed with the singer’s position, arguing that “it is a man’s job to provide” regardless of how much his female partner earns, others criticised her stance.

Critics particularly questioned her decision to hide her financial status from a future partner, arguing that openness about finances is an important part of a relationship.

The singer’s comments have consequently reignited conversations about financial power, control, transparency and traditional gender expectations in relationships.

The debate also comes amid growing conversations about changing gender roles, as more women attain financial independence and, in some cases, earn significantly more than their male partners.

Ayra Starr, who has established herself as one of Nigeria’s prominent Afrobeats artistes, continues to attract attention both for her music and her outspoken comments on issues surrounding relationships and society.

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Entertainment

Funke Akindele, Ex-Husband JJC Skillz Reunite in Paris, Spark Reactions

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Actress Funke Akindele Attacked At Lagos Campaign

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, and her former husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, have sparked reactions online after they were spotted together in Paris, France, during a family holiday.

The former couple were seen spending time with their twin sons while exploring different parts of the French capital.

In a video shared by JJC Skillz on Snapchat on Wednesday, Akindele and her ex-husband were seen with their children at what appeared to be a shopping centre in Paris.

SEE MORE: Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66

The video was captioned, “Family time.”
In another clip, JJC Skillz asked Akindele, “Mama Ibeji, are we playing games?”
She replied, “Yess ooo.”

The former couple were also reportedly spotted at the Eiffel Tower, according to videos shared online.

Akindele also shared a video showing herself, JJC Skillz and their children at a PlayStation section of what appeared to be a mall in Paris.

The family outing comes after Akindele and her children travelled to the United Kingdom for a holiday following the completion of her latest cinema project, The Four.

Akindele and JJC Skillz got married in London in 2016 and welcomed twin boys in 2018.

However, in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced their separation in an Instagram post, citing

“irreconcilable differences.”
Despite their separation, the former couple have continued to maintain a relationship centred around their children.

Their latest reunion in Paris has attracted attention online, with the videos showing the pair enjoying family moments with their children.

The Paris outing is also not the first time Akindele and JJC Skillz have been seen together publicly since their separation.

In 2023, the former couple were spotted together at the Lagos premiere of their movie, She Must Be Obeyed. They were seen dancing and embracing as they joined other celebrities at the event.

JJC Skillz also directed the movie.

 

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Entertainment

Billionaire Okoya’s Son Quits Music, Reveals Why He’s Leaving

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Nigerian Afrobeats singer Raheem Okoya, popularly known as Siraheem, has announced his decision to stop releasing new music, citing the difficulty of balancing his music career with other commitments.

Siraheem, the son of billionaire industrialist Rasaq Okoya, made the announcement in a statement shared on his official Instagram page on Wednesday.

The singer said his journey into music began as a hobby with friends before gradually developing into a serious career.

SEE MORE: ‘Gospel Music Has Power To Transform Nigeria’ – Pastor Declares

“My career began simply, music was a hobby I made with my boys as a means of bonding and connection before it was anything else,” he said.

According to Siraheem, sustaining his music career alongside his other responsibilities had become increasingly difficult over the past year.

“Over the past year, holding that alongside my other commitments has grown harder. I’ve always believed in giving everything my best and I no longer feel I can give this craft the effort, patience, and dedication it truly deserves,” he said.

Explaining his decision, the singer said he owed his fans and colleagues a professional conclusion to his current chapter.

“So I owe it to my true fans, and to my colleagues in this industry a professional exit, I have decided to stop putting out new music,” he stated.

However, Siraheem stressed that his departure from music would not end his creative pursuits. He revealed plans to diversify into other fields and pursue new ventures.

“To my fans the ‘Siraheem music’ era may be closing, but the creative in me is still hungry for new challenges, still reaching. The future stays positive. I have plans to diversify my creative palette into other fields and I will be back with new ventures,” he said.

The singer also left the door open for a possible return to music, particularly with songs he has already recorded.

Siraheem said music remains therapeutic to him and disclosed that he had spent the past year working on what he considered his best material yet.

“Music still remains therapeutic for me. With time, maybe the album finds its way into the world somehow after all,” he said.

Siraheem began releasing music professionally around 2022 and gained attention with songs including Bad Bitch Syndrome, Kowope, SOWETO and TRU$T FUND.

His debut project, By The Order Of The City, an eight-track project, was released on May 1, 2026.

Despite announcing his exit, Siraheem did not completely rule out a comeback.

“Who knows what the future still holds. Never say never,” he said.

He also thanked his fans and collaborators, Mr Fantasy and Mr Miyagi, for supporting him during what he described as an unforgettable year.

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