In a thought-provoking reflection published three years ago, the late Onyeka Onwenu, a veteran Nigerian singer, actress, and activist, expressed her desires for a humble and private burial.
Onwenu, known for her powerful voice and advocacy, passed away on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at a birthday party.
In her 2021 opinion piece on Premium Times, she wrote, “Do it quickly, quietly and privately.” She emphasized that her burial should avoid unnecessary fanfare, urging loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively” and instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.
She said, “Celebrate me with prayers, lunch, or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. Make merriment and then go about your business.”
Onwenu also shared her discomfort with lavish displays of wealth at Nigerian burials, contrasting her own wishes with the extravagant funeral of Obi Cubana’s mother. She advocated for more modest and meaningful ways to honor the deceased, saying, “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others.”
Throughout her multifaceted career, Onwenu made significant contributions to music, film, advocacy, journalism, and politics. She will be remembered for her notable songs, including “One Love” and “You and I,” as well as her autobiography, “My Father’s Daughter.”
