Onyeka Onwenu: How she fell in love at 13

### Onyeka Onwenu: The Journey from Live Performances to Legendary Music

Onyeka Onwenu’s journey in the music industry is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment. Her career began in an inspiring way—through live performances. “I started getting invitations to live performances, and I really excelled in those settings,” Onyeka recalls with a warm smile. These early gigs were not just a way to showcase her talent; they were the beginning of her earning a living through music. Her natural ability to captivate audiences and her passion for performing set the stage for her future success.

Despite her initial triumphs, Onyeka faced challenges, especially concerning the technical quality of music recordings in Nigeria. “At an early stage of my career, I was dissatisfied with the technical quality of our recordings,” she explains. Listening to the radio, she observed a recurring issue: whenever Nigerian-produced music played, the quality seemed to drop noticeably. This observation was more than just a minor concern—it became a driving force behind her determination to raise the bar. “It really bothered me. It became imperative for me to improve the quality of my musical output,” she says.

Her dedication to improving the quality of her music was not just about personal satisfaction; it was also about setting a standard for the industry. Onyeka's insistence on high-quality production helped her stand out in a field where technical standards were often lacking. Her commitment to excellence contributed to her reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading musical talents.

Reflecting on the state of the industry when she first started, Onyeka fondly remembers a time when it was incredibly vibrant and the economy was strong. “When I joined the industry, it was buzzing with energy, and the economy was thriving compared to what we have today,” she says. This vibrant atmosphere provided a fertile ground for creativity and collaboration, making it an exciting period for emerging artists.

Among the talented individuals she admired were several remarkable women who left a significant mark on the industry. Onyeka highlights some of her contemporaries, such as Dora Ifudu, who was not only a singer and songwriter but also a filmmaker and photographer. “Dora Ifudu was incredibly versatile,” Onyeka notes. “Her work spanned across various forms of art, showing the depth of her talent.”

Another notable figure was Martha Ulaeto, known for her unique fusion of operatic and African influences. “Martha Ulaeto had this amazing ability to blend opera with powerful African elements,” Onyeka remembers. “Her music was a beautiful testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.”

Funmi Adams, a classical singer, also made a significant impact with her blend of classical and contemporary folk music. “Funmi Adams was extraordinary,” Onyeka says. “She seamlessly combined classical techniques with contemporary folk, creating a distinctive sound that was both innovative and rooted in tradition.”

Nelly Uchendu, known for her Igbo folklore, and Comfort Omoge, a traditional artist from the mid-western region of Nigeria, were also influential. “Nelly Uchendu’s contributions to Igbo folklore were invaluable,” Onyeka explains. “Her music preserved and celebrated the rich traditions of her culture.” Similarly, Comfort Omoge’s work highlighted the diversity within Nigeria’s musical landscape. “Comfort Omoge brought traditional sounds from the mid-western region into the limelight,” Onyeka adds.

As Onyeka navigated her career, she also experienced personal milestones, including her first encounter with love. Reflecting on her early experiences, Onyeka shares a poignant memory. “I fell in love for the first time at the age of 13, in 1965, just two years before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War,” she recounts. This early romance, while significant, is something she views with a touch of nostalgia and self-awareness. “Looking back, I realize that I was indeed too young to truly understand what love was,” she admits. “What does a 13-year-old know about love, anyway?”

Her youthful infatuation was part of a broader journey of growth and self-discovery. It’s a reminder of how formative experiences shape us, even when we don’t fully grasp their significance at the time. Onyeka’s reflections on her early love life are both endearing and enlightening, offering a glimpse into her personal history and the evolution of her understanding of love and relationships.

Onyeka Onwenu’s story is one of passion, resilience, and artistic brilliance. From her early days of live performances to her efforts to enhance the quality of Nigerian music, and her reflections on personal experiences, her journey is a rich tapestry of achievement and growth. Her contributions to the music industry and her influence on the next generation of artists continue to be felt, making her a beloved figure in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.