Tragedy struck on Tuesday night as Nigeria’s legendary singer and songwriter, Onyeka Onwenu, passed away shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos.

The music icon, affectionately known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ reportedly collapsed at a private function and was later pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. Sources close to the family confirmed the shocking news to The Guardian.

Onwenu was attending the birthday celebration of Mrs Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals when she took to the stage to perform.

Eyewitnesses said she returned to her seat after her performance and suddenly slumped. Emergency services were immediately called, and she was rushed to the hospital, where she was later declared dead. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu had just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals this night, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”

Onyeka Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, had a career that spanned over four decades.

She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician. Onwenu’s music, which blended genres such as highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues.

Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”