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During a recent condolence visit to the family of the
deceased “Queen of Songs” at their Ikoyi, Lagos residence, alongside the
management of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MCSN), King Sunny Ade expressed
his profound emotions and emphasized the exceptional nature of Onyeka Onwenu.
He described her as an extraordinary individual who possessed the remarkable
ability to offer valuable advice, which invariably proved to be highly
accurate.
He stated, “I will on her behalf perform ‘Waiting for Me’
throughout my life. I have done it several times in different countries, where
I gave credit to her.”
Regarding collaboration with the late vocalist, KSA
commented that, “When it comes to music that two people have to do together,
she used to do more than I did. She would just tap me and say ‘Sunny, don’t
worry, let’s take it this way, and it’s always good.”
He refuted the long-standing rumor that he had a romantic
relationship with Onwenu several decades ago, saying “It was a gimmick we
allowed because of the duets we did together. Before we launched the duet I did
with her, “Waiting for Me”, people used to think that she was my girl friend.
But both of us never said yes or no. On the day of the unveiling of the song,
they were disappointed because of what they saw.”
Furthermore, Orits Williki, a prominent figure in the reggae
music industry, characterized the deceased as a staunch advocate for justice.
“There is a story about her when it comes to fighting for
her right in terms of intellectual property. She was not somebody we can forget
easily.
It’s sad that she didn’t reap much of what she fought for.
Only a few years ago she got a double supreme court judgment. It is sad that we
have lost her and we know that her legacy is still in our minds,” Orits Williki
said.