Women should insist on their rights – Onyeka

*Onyeka

Onyeka Onwenu is one of the personalities to be
reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Recently, she was unveiled as one of the judges in
the ongoing Glo-X judges and her judgment in the
show has shown that she is an icon in the field. In
this revealing interview, she talks about her
challenges, passion for music, among other issues.
Onyeka Onwenu has been a house-hold name in the
Nigerian entertainment industry, what is the secret?
The "secret" is no secret at all. It's all God's grace. I
have found that when you locate yourself in Him Who
is the Author and Finisher, there is no limit as to
what you can do.
How did you come about being one of the Glo X-
factor judges and what has the experience been?
Rapid Blue, the producers of Glo X Factor sought me
out and we came to an agreement. I am not a Glo
Ambassador and I do not have a contract with Glo.
The experience has been interesting, challenging at
times, because of the time we put in, but mostly
enriching. It gives me a great sense of
accomplishment, to be able to mentor young artistes
and watch them grow right before your eyes.
From acting to music, why the diversion?
I started out as a Television journalist with NTA
before I released my first Album in 1981. Acting
came much later. None of it is a diversion. I am
blessed with many talents and I explore and use
most, to the glory of God.
For quite a long time now, you have not been seen on
the big screen (acting), where have you been?
I am choosy as to what roles I accept, for professional
and financial reasons. You should, however expect to
see me in the soon to be released Half Of A Yellow
Sun.
In one of the contests in the Glo X Factor
competition,you wept, does it mean you are that
emotional?
All artistes are emotional. As a creative person, I am
affected by things around me.
You have featured in some movies now, which one
would you say is most challenging and why?
I would say Conspiracy 1 and 2, as well as Women's
Cot and of course Half Of A Yellow Sun. These were
challenging roles where I had to play characters that
were opposites of who I was in real life. I had to
completely leave myself out of them.
You dedicated the proceed you made from the sale of
your CD plate, The Legend Reloaded to Church
building, would you say you are very close to God?
I strive to be closer to God every day. It's my life's
work.
What prompted the title of your album, The Legend
Reloaded?
It was Obi Asika who gave it that title. You would
have to ask him this question.
Aside you music career which is what you give most
attention now, what else do you do?
I am a mother and a business woman as well. One
has to have multiple streams of income.
How did your appointment as the Chairperson of the
Imo State Council of Arts and Culture come about
and how do you combine that with your music
career?
For eight years, between the year 2002 and 2010, I
vied for the Chairmanship of my LGA, Ideato North, in
Imo State. I did not succeed because there was no
level-playing field. The powers that were did not want
someone like me who would display integrity,
prevent them from stealing the LG funds and get the
job of development done. It was a trying time but
also of learning and service to my people at so many
levels.
My appointment as Chairman of Imo State Council
For Arts and Culture (ISCAC) by Dr Ikedi Ohakim,
Governor at the time was well received by the people
and the Board that I chaired gave a good account of
itself. In fact, we turned the place around, renovated
it and made it a profitable venture. We developed a
blue print which was copied by others. I am very
proud of what we did there. I left there in 2011, after
two fruitful years.
What is your evolution into the entertainment world
like?
This is too general a question. I would answer by
saying that it started in 1981, when reality shows did
not exist and division of labour, generally was
minimal. You had to do most things by and for
yourself. I wrote my own songs after my first album
and managed myself mostly. I did my own costumes
and makeup. After my 2nd Album, I financed and
promoted my own recordings. It was not easy but we
did what we had to do and kept going.
We fought the pirates and fought for copyright dues.
We sacrificed for the union (PMAN) and ensured that
artistes were given respect and honour in Nigeria.
What would you say is the worst thing that has
happened to you?
The worst thing that ever happened to me, no doubt
was the death of my beloved father, Hon. D.K
Onwenu, at age 40, from a car accident. He was on
his way back from Aba to Port Harcourt, from a
meeting with the Union of Teachers there. Papa was a
member of the Federal House, the first Arondizuogu
man to attain that position. He was a brilliant and
charismatic orator, a graduate of Fourah Bay
University, Sierra Leone as well as the University of
Durham, England. My dad loved me to distraction. I
remember him well and I still miss him.
What do you think about this child marriage
approved by the senate?
Child marriage is wrong in every way. It has
disastrous implications for the development of our
country. Consider the fact that a vast number of
Nigerian women are kept away from education, they
remain at the poverty level, disenfranchised and
unable to contribute to the development of their
communities and country. Their children go through
the same cycle of lack, ignorance and abject poverty.
This affects us all in Nigeria.
At your leisure time, what do you like doing?
At my leisure time, I relax and watch TV. I am also an
avid gardner and I love cooking.
There are several cases of domestic violence in the
country which sometimes, result in divorce especially
in the entertainment industry, what do you think is
the cause and the way forward?
Domestic violence is bad, very bad indeed. Women
are getting killed and maimed inside their homes
and it affects a large number of the womenfolk. Many
never report it because they are ashamed and they
are financially dependent on the man. This is why it
is important for women to get education. You do not
have to accept domestic violence. A woman should
know her rights as a human being and insist on
them.
What make-up can you not do without?
Eyeliner.
Some ladies say it is difficult to find an ideal man for
marriage, what do you have to say about that?
Nothing.
What does love mean to you?
God is love. Loving Him with all your heart and loving
your neighbour is the greatest commandment He
gave man. Love means everything to me.
What are you missing most about your mother?
I still miss my mother's wahala. She was my "mate"
and colleague. I reminded her of herself in many
ways and sometimes we agreed to disagree. We had
great respect for one another and I took good care of
her, just like my father would have done if he were
alive. She trusted me.

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN