In a poignant reflection shared three years ago, veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu revealed her heartfelt wishes for how she wanted to be remembered and buried. Onwenu, who passed away on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday party for Mrs. Stella Okoli, left behind a legacy of powerful music and impactful activism.

In an opinion piece published on Premium Times in 2021, Onwenu emphasized her desire for a simple and private burial, devoid of unnecessary fanfare. “Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” she wrote.

She encouraged her loved ones to mourn her passing but not excessively. Instead, she hoped they would focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments. “Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business,” she expressed.

Onwenu also urged her friends to celebrate her while she was alive, rather than after her passing. “If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu,” she stated.

Her reflection included a critique of the lavish displays of wealth often seen at Nigerian burials, contrasting her wishes with the extravagant funeral of Obi Cubana’s mother, which had sparked widespread debate. “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, advocating for more modest and meaningful ways to honor the deceased.

Onyeka Onwenu’s multifaceted career spanned music, film, advocacy, journalism, and politics. She held various influential roles, including chairing the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and serving as a judge on the X Factor series. Her music, with notable songs such as “One Love” and “You and I,” and her writings, including her autobiography “My Father’s Daughter,” have left an indelible mark on Nigerian culture.

As Nigerians reflect on Onwenu’s legacy, her call for modesty and meaningful celebration in death serves as a powerful reminder of her values and the impactful life she led.