Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has shared the heartbreaking details of her final moments with late Nigerian music icon Onyeka Onwenu.
The celebrated singer tragically passed away in July 2024 after collapsing at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okolie, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
Onyeka Onwenu was laid to rest on August 30 at the Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi, Lagos.
In a recent interview with media personality WithChude, Silva, who was present at the event, recounted the incident. She revealed that Onwenu did not pass away immediately after collapsing, but rather two hours later despite efforts to revive her.
“We were at the party together, seated at the same table,” Silva recalled. “At some point during her performance, she came over to me, pulled me up, and we had a little twirl while she sang ‘One Love.’ Shortly after, we returned to our seats. That was when I heard Shola Momoh say, ‘she’s not well, she slumped on her chair.’”
Silva explained that although Onwenu was unconscious, she still had a pulse. “CPR was administered, and doctors present at the party came to assist.
We did everything we could, but despite being taken to the hospital and receiving medical attention for nearly an hour and a half, she sadly passed away.”
Onwenu’s death marks the end of an era for Nigerian music, as she was widely regarded as one of the most iconic voices in the country. Her passing has left fans and colleagues in deep mourning.
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