The recent passing of the talented Onyeka Onwenu has left Nigerians in mourning. She passed away on July 30 after a performance at a friend’s birthday celebration in Lagos. Instead of focusing on her death, I want to share a personal story of how I came to brand her as the “Elegant Stallion.”
In the 1980s, Onyeka was a revered music icon and broadcaster in Nigeria. Her influence in music and pop culture paved the way for her entry into the movie industry as Nollywood boomed in the 1990s. The nickname “Elegant Stallion” became synonymous with her in the entertainment world and remained a proud part of her identity until her passing.
In 1987, a young music promoter from Zimbabwe named Steve Chigorimbo came to Nigeria for a music project. He recruited renowned Nigerian musicians for a tour of southern Africa called Music Against Apartheid.
I had the honor of covering the Music Against Apartheid tour, featuring Onyeka, the late Sonny Okosuns, and Christie Essien-Igbokwe. As the Entertainment Editor of NewsNow, I was asked to be the MC for the sold-out concert at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Before the concert in Harare, the tour had performances in cities like Lusaka, Kitwe, and Kabwe in Zambia. The energy at Rufaro Stadium on the concert day was electrifying, with a full house of eager fans, including university students.
Onyeka’s presence on stage was captivating. She exuded poise and elegance as she took the microphone, and her band kicked off with tunes from her latest dance hit at the time, “Winnie Mandela,” from the album Dancing In The Sun.
As she began to sing, her performance was mesmerizing. Her confidence, charm, and vocal prowess left a lasting impression on the audience. The nickname “Elegant Stallion” would soon be inspired by a unique encounter.
The night before the concert, a Zimbabwean woman named Zolfor West, whom I had an encounter with, referred to me as her “stallion,” a symbol of strength and power from our previous night together. This encounter would influence the creation of the name that would define Onyeka Onwenu in the years to come.
Watching Onyeka perform that evening, I was struck by her grace and charm. I wanted to encapsulate her essence in my review, drawing inspiration from the encounter with Zolfor. This moment led to the now-iconic title: “Elegant Stallion.”
Thanks to entertainment journalism, Onwenu became synonymous with the brand of the “Elegant Stallion.” Today, we remember her as a legendary figure in broadcasting, music, and entertainment, leaving behind unforgettable memories.
I, a young entertainment reporter at NewsNow, had the opportunity to witness your greatness. As we both navigated our respective paths in the industry, our encounters were marked by admiration and creative camaraderie.
Despite our differences, we shared a passion for making an impact in our world. Our interactions reflected a blend of stubbornness and deep appreciation for each other’s talents and contributions to the creative sphere.
As Onyeka Onwenu rides into eternity, she leaves behind a legacy of bravery, brilliance, and fearlessness. Farewell, my elegant stallion.
- This piece was authored by Azuka Jebose