15th January, 2014
By Ade Osijo
Prior to the time I met Ms Onyeka Onwenu in person, I had always been swayed by the esteem she was held by my In-Law cum big brother, Bayo Adewusi of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lagos. I have also had to watch her musicals on television and video and eventually – naturally too, got carried away by her out of this world kind of voice. This is not an hyperbole.
Here in Nigeria, I have come to the ugly realisation that most of our artistes and musicians are never accorded their due respect and honour. This uninspiring and unpatriotic attitude only gives credence to what the Holy Book says “A Prophet is without honour amongst his people”. Perhaps to buttress this assertion when our own King Sunny Ade clocked fifty years, none of our local media did a piece on him. But to my delight and surprise, the prestigious international New York times of America sang his praise and paid him homage.
Just a couple of days ago in the course of surfing the net (Facebook) to be precise, I saw a reminder on Onyeka Onwenu’s birthday. As far as I am concerned, one does not need to shower encomiums on her when she inevitably bids the world good bye in decades to come. Hence this piece, which is my own way of registering my appreciation to her for her noble motherly, feminine qualities, the values she represents and her high sense of patriotism.
Contrary to some opinions being held in some quarters, which I find denigrating and uncomplimentary, I wish to aver that she is not a proud or arrogant woman. Rather, I see her as a scrupulous and God fearing woman with a clear sense of direction.
My first encounter with Onyeka Onwenu was during my days as a publicist to the international flutist cum classical music composer, Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli. Tee Mac and I had gone in search of her at her Oregun, Ikeja office sometime in 1992. Not only was she so curvy, she was looking so beautiful and enchanting. Throughout the meeting which lasted close to an hour, she spoke effusively of her love for Nigeria’s show biz industry and her desire to contribute her quota to uplift it so that generations unborn could have a healthy platform to fulfil their God given potentials and earn a living. Commendable one would say, considering the fact that she had her university education abroad, she could have bid the place of her birth goodbye like the Sade Adus, Shirley Bassey et al. The patriotic streak in her and love for motherland, pulled her home.
At a time when the military intervention in governance affected every aspect of showbiz, Onyeka Onwenu did not chicken out. Today, she is reaping the reward for her tenacity and perseverance. Still on my encounters with this gracious woman and entrepreneur, musician, band leader, actress, journalist, documentalist, producer, fashion designer, actress, vocalist, cultural ambassador cum advocate, a dutiful mother and wife: During a visit on my own to her glamorous events centre along Issac John street, Ikeja, Lagos, I was warmly received. Rather than accord her attention, her accomplishment and pedigree demanded of me, she ended up treating me like a superstar, which I was later to learn was her way of relating to everyone.
During that visit, I witnessed the way she deferred to her elder brother cum manager, Mr. Richards (as the Igbo speaking tradition demands). During the visit, she also spoke glowing about life and values from her late mother who passed away on the eve of her birthday on December 31, 2011. Call her mummy’s pet, and you would not be wrong neither would you get some scolding. She was mama’s girl and proudly so too.
Just to be sure I was not holding the wrong end of the stick as far as my perception of her was concerned, during the inaugural ball for the newly elected President. Olusegun Obasanjo, Onyeka Onwenu was billed to perform along with three other musicians, King Sunny Ade, Zakky and Tee Mac. During rehearsals, I walked up to her in the presence of King Sunny Ade (who later shared some candies with me), she was her usual charming, homely and courteous self.
Onyeka was later to wow everybody to the dance floor with her ‘One Love’ and ‘You and I’ hit songs. Not even the visiting American President, Bill Clinton, his Wife, Hilary and Chelsea (their daughter) could resist the urge to shuffle their feet on the dance floor, At a point, our own first lady, the late Stella Obasanjo had to drag her over worked husband to the dance floor. That night Onyeka Onwenu stole the show to the admiration of all. We met a couple of times later. She may forget names through no fault of hers, but not face.
Today, I join millions of her fans, admirers wishing her a rewarding sixty-two birthday celebration. In my little corner, where I am putting this piece together for the one I adore, I am proposing a toast with my household to you.
Through your accomplishments, commitments and sacrifice for the development of Nigeria’s entertainment scene, Nigerians at home and in Diaspora cannot relegate your name to the footnotes of history.
To the likes of you and your precursors, the shining stars in Nigeria’s showbiz firmament owe you a pat on the back and some kind words of gratitude.
Happy birthday to my African Queen! My idol and the one I can call Nigeria’s adorable songstress.
Congratulations, Madam Onyeka Onwenu.
Happy Birthday, Nwa Adana Obosi.
•Osijo is the CEO, African Museum and Centre for African American History, 11, Ibikunle Akitoye Street, Apapa.
