Legendary Juju musician King Sunny Ade has vowed to honour the departed by playing his 1989 duet “Waiting for Me” with Onyeka Onwenu for the remainder of his life.
During a condolence visit with Onwenu’s family, he made this promise in front of the management of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MCSN).
Ade characterised Onwenu as a remarkable individual who consistently provided insightful guidance.
He reminisced about their working together, stating that she would frequently take the initiative and offer enhancements, which led to excellent music.
“I will perform ‘Waiting for Me’ throughout my life on her behalf,” he declared. I’ve done it multiple times in other nations, always giving her credit.
She used to produce more music than I did when it came to collaborative music. “Sunny, don’t worry, let’s take it this way, and it’s always good,” she would just tap me.
Additionally, he refuted reports that he was romantically involved with Onwenu, blaming them on a PR ploy to highlight their duets.
We accepted the ruse because we had performed duets together. People used to believe that she was my girl friend until we released the duet I did with her, “Waiting for Me.” We never said yes or no, though, either of us. They were dissatisfied with what they witnessed on the day of the song’s unveiling, he claimed.
Orits Williki, a legendary reggae artist, also paid tribute, calling Onwenu a justice warrior who never gave up on her rights and creative property.
He regretted that she didn’t live to see the full rewards of her labours.
Her struggle to protect her intellectual property rights is the subject of a narrative. She was not someone we will quickly forget.That she didn’t get much of what she battled for is unfortunate. She received a double supreme court judgement just a few years ago. Orits Williki expressed her sadness at her passing and acknowledged that her legacy lives on in our memories.