President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of the late singer and songwriter Onyeka Onwenu.
The musician died on Tuesday night aged 72 at Reddington Hospital in Lagos. She was pronounced dead at the hospital after collapsing at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Stella Okoli, where she performed.
Tinubu, in a statement on Wednesday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described Onyeka as the queen of songs.
“President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition of ‘One Love’ in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
“The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s,” the statement said.
Tinubu said Ms Onwenu lives on in her “immortal masterpieces”.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who devoted herself to a wide range of artistic endeavours and expressions, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He condoled with the entertainment industry, Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over the loss.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of her soul and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun.’”
