In an exclusive interview with Premium Times three years before her death, actress and singer Onyeka Onwenu disclosed her preferences for her burial.

Tragically, her life was cut short on Tuesday evening, just moments after she performed at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli.

Onwenu had strong feelings about her funeral arrangements, expressing her aversion to the opulent ceremonies that have become entrenched in Nigerian culture.

She envisioned a service that would starkly contrast with these customs. Onwenu wished for her family and friends to ‘mourn, yes, but not excessively’, encouraging them instead to celebrate her life with prayers and joyful reflections.

“Do it quickly, quietly and privately…Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business.

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 said.

“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 concluded.

Similarly, a video of the late Onyeka Onwenu’s last performance has been shared online, following her passing on July 30, 2024.

She had just performed at the 80th birthday celebration of pharmaceutical tycoon Mrs. Stella Okoli, where she interacted with politician Peter Obi during her act.

The video captures Onwenu in high spirits, delighting the audience with her melodious tunes.

There were no signs of any health issues or impending tragedy during her performance.

Tragically, she collapsed after her set and was swiftly taken to Reddington Hospital in Lagos for medical attention.

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