Onyeka Onwenu was a veteran singer in the Nigerian music space whose endeavours contributed to the growth, structure and commerciality of the Nigerian music space.
A pioneer, she serves as a generational inspiration for present and future female music artists.
The late Onyeka Onwenu was well known for the humanity in her songs and their pro-nigerian nature, as her songs were almost as popular as lullabies in her glory days. Here’s a list of some of the best songs to grace our ears from the lips of the godmother herself:
ONE LOVE
Probably her biggest hit, One Love is an evergreen record that continues to warm our ears and hearts several decades after its release. The song lyrics are still used to date to spread togetherness and unity throughout the country.
The song was referenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his tribute speech to the late singer.
YOU AND I
Another song promoting humanity and thoughtfulness, You And I is another classic record. In this song, she preaches togetherness, something ubiquitous in her music and identifies an important message to be shared, that we are and should live as one. The song’s relevance is a testament to her talent and longevity.
EKWE
Ekwe is a beautiful love song in itself, where she tells the story of a young suitor unwilling to give up his chase of an attractive woman who is uninterested in his advances. The record is a beautiful combination of Igbo folklore and other foreign elements of music.
IYOGOGO
Iyogogo is another love song where she expresses her desire for a commitment from her lover while professing the true extent of her love for him. The record was later interpolated by popular duo P Square on their single Bank Alert.
ALLELUYA
Alleluya is one of her most popular songs after she switched to gospel music. Here, she’s very expressive of the joy, favours and gratitude in her life. She goes back to her source and offers heavy levels of praise.
WAIT FOR ME
Wait For Me is one of Onyeka Onwenu’s songs and she features King Sunny Ade. The track embodies her dominance of the Nigerian (and African) music scene in the 80s. Many griots of Nigerian music say the song was performed by the King and Queen of that era so it’s no surprise it dominated the period.