Family announces burial plans for iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu

The family of renowned singer Onyeka Onwenu has announced that her burial will take place before the end of this month.

This announcement was made during a condolence visit by delegates from the Musical Society of Nigeria (MCSN) to Onwenu’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Onwenu was a prominent member of MCSN and passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday following a performance at a birthday party.

Her sons, Abram and Tjiani Onwenu, stated their intention to honor their late mother’s wishes by laying her to rest as soon as possible, with specific burial arrangements to be disclosed in the coming days. During the visit, King Sunny Ade, a fellow musician and friend, expressed his sorrow in the condolence register, writing, “Dear sister and colleague, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Your fans and friends all over the world will remember you forever.”

In a 2021 opinion piece for Premium Times, Onwenu had requested that her burial be simple and without excessive fanfare, a wish her family is committed to respecting.

“Do it quickly, quietly and privately. Mourn, yes but not excessively. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh,” Onwenu was quoted as saying back then.