In honour of the first posthumous birthday of the “Elegant Stallion,” Onyeka Onwenu MFR—legendary singer-songwriter, journalist, politician, activist, actress, and African culture icon—we have compiled a list of her notable Nollywood projects.
Nightmare (1999)
Onyeka Onwenu began her acting career in 1999 with Zik Zulu Okafor’s Nightmare, portraying Joke, a childless wife who decides to adopt an abandoned baby. That same year, she also starred in the late Ndubuisi Okoh’s films: Not Your Wealth, Chain Reaction, and Conspiracy (co-directed by Chimdi Chiama and Okoh).
Her next notable acting project was Afam Okereke’s Government House (2004), alongside Kenneth Okonkwo, King Joe Okechukwu, and Chinyere Wilfred. You can watch Not Your Wealth, Chain Reaction, and Conspiracy on YouTube.
Women’s Cot (2005)
Onwenu took on more roles in 2005, starting with Women’s Cot (A.K.A Widow’s Cot), veteran filmmaker Dickson Iroegbu’s acclaimed women’s rights film, which won her an Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
She also acted in MacCollins Chidebe’s Omalinze and political drama The Tyrant, Andy Nwakalor’s Rising Moon, and Tchidi Chikere’s Every Single Day.
Women’s Cot, The Tyrant, Rising Moon, and Every Single Day are currently streaming on YouTube.
Different World (2006)
The multi-hyphenate starred in Dickson Iroegbu’s Different World (2006) and its sequel, To Love an Angel (2007), a dramatic romance between Chike (Ramsey Nouah) and Lisa (Annie Macaulay), where she played Nene, Lisa’s mother. She worked with Iroegbu again in The Trinity (2007). Different World and To Love Again are available on YouTube.
Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Onwenu returned to acting with Biyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 2006 novel following the lives and relationships of twin sisters Olanna (Thandiwe Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) in a Nigeria sliding into civil war. Onwenu portrayed Mama, the mother of Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Olanna’s love interest. You can stream it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Pluto TV, Peacock, Tubi TV, and Plex.
Lionheart (2018)
Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart was her next big Nollywood comeback after another long break. The story follows Adaeze Obiagu (Nnaji), a determined woman trying to lead her father’s transport company when his health declines. Onyeka Onwenu embodied Abigail Obiagu, the wife of Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie) and mother to Adaeze and Obiora (Chibuzor “Phyno” Azubuike). Lionheart is available on Netflix.
God Calling (2018)
She also appeared in BB Sasore’s God Calling, the story of a married couple—Sade and Francis—and their unique encounter with God. Onwenu played Francis’ understanding mother, who helps broker peace when tragedy strikes.
Muna (2019)
In Kevin Nwankor’s action drama, Muna (starring Adesua Etomi-Wellington in the titular role), the veteran actress played Ndidi, Muna’s grandmother and only family member. Deceived by the shady Mr. Patrick (Ikponmwosa Gold), she unknowingly hands her granddaughter over to a human trafficking ring, starting a chain of abuse that leads to revenge.
Obara’M (2022)
The icon took to the big screen again in Kayode Kasum’s Obara’M, a musical family drama about Oluchi (Nancy Isime) and Ihunaya (Darasimi Nadi), a mother and daughter reconnecting after the death of Oluchi’s father (Nkem Owoh), who has raised the little girl as his own. Onwenu played Nwakego, Oluchi’s aunt (and yes, she sang!).
You can watch it on Netflix.
Ije Awele (2022)
Building on her experience as a former Director General of the National Centre for Women Development, Onwenu portrayed a woman who is a hidden accomplice to her daughter’s abuse at the hands of her father in Emeka Ojukwu’s Ije Awele, shining a light on issues affecting the girl child.
In April 2023, she joined the cast of Bem Pever’s Lands Apart. A release date is yet to be announced.
The Elegant Stallion passed away on July 30th, 2024.
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