The family of the late iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu has announced that she will be laid to rest before the end of August 2024. This announcement came during a condolence visit from the Musical Society of Nigeria (MCSN) to the family’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The delegation from MCSN, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Orits Wiliki, paid their respects to the Onwenu family on Tuesday. Onwenu’s sons, Abram and Tjiani, shared their intention to honor their mother’s wishes by organizing a swift burial.
“We plan to respect our late mother’s wishes by burying her as soon as possible,” they said, adding that the official burial arrangements will be announced soon.
Onyeka Onwenu, a beloved member of MCSN, passed away suddenly last Tuesday following her performance at the 80th birthday party of Chief Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. The news of her passing shocked many, and tributes have been pouring in from fans and colleagues around the world.
During the visit, King Sunny Ade, a renowned musician and close colleague of Onwenu, signed the condolence register with an emotional message: “Dear sister and colleague, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Your fans and friends all over the world will remember you forever.”
Other notable figures in the delegation included flutist Tee Mac, who promised to perform at Onwenu’s service of songs, Kenny Ogugbe, and Mayo Ayilaran, General Manager of MCSN.
Reflecting on Onwenu’s life, it’s clear she left behind a significant legacy of music and activism. In an opinion piece published in 2021 on Premium Times, Onwenu shared her wishes for a simple and private burial.
“Do it quickly, quietly, and privately,” she wrote, emphasizing her desire for a modest ceremony.
She encouraged her loved ones to celebrate her life with prayers, meals, and laughter, rather than excessive mourning.
Onyeka Onwenu also urged her friends and family to celebrate her while she was alive, a testament to her joyful and forward-looking spirit.
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business,” she expressed in her heartfelt reflection.
The MCSN visit and the family’s announcement mark the beginning of the final farewell to a woman who touched many lives with her music and dedication to social causes. As the world prepares to say goodbye to Onyeka Onwenu, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with many.