Nigerian artistes Patience Ozokwor, Femi Kuti, Adewale Ayuba, CharlyBoy and others on Wednesday mourned music legend Onyeka Onwenu, who died on Tuesday.

She was aged 72.

Ayuba, in an interview in Lagos, said Onwenu’s immense contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry would always be revered.

“I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit and good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.

“The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry. Onwenu’s death follows the recent passings of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria,” said CharlyBoy.

Similarly, Afrobeat musician, Kuti, expressed shock at the death of Onwenu.

“Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu. Rest in peace, ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones,” he stated.

Nigerian Galala singer Daddy Showkey, with a display of the deceased’s picture on his Instagram page, wrote: “RIP Great Legend Onyeka Onwenu. Nobody know the news wey you go hear when you wake up in the morning.”

Tony Okoroji, chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), said, “Nigeria’s creative family has lost a colossus. The Nigerian nation has lost an icon. Onyeka Onwenu was an incredibly talented Nigerian woman in many ways. Her passion for excellence remains unequalled.”

He recalled their collaborations, including her role as vice president during his tenure as president of PMAN, her service on the board of Performing and Mechanical Rights Society (PMRS), and her contributions to the board of COSON.

“This is shocking beyond words. Despite our differences in recent times, everyone knows that Onyeka was my dear friend and worked very closely with me in promoting the Nigerian music industry,” he said.

Ozokwor said she was downcast and hurt by the news of the death of the music icon.

Reacting to Onwenu’s death on Wednesday in Enugu, Ozokwor said, “Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and the fact that she was not sick. How can everyone be dying like that, what is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country.”

(NAN)