Legendary Juju singer King Sunny Ade has promised to continue performing his 1989 duet with Onyeka Onwenu, “Waiting for Me”, for the rest of his life as a tribute to the deceased.
He made this vow during a condolence visit to Onwenu’s family with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MCSN) management.
Ade described Onwenu as an extraordinary person who always offered valuable advice.
He recalled their collaboration, saying she would often take the lead and suggest improvements, resulting in great music.
He said: “I will on her behalf perform ‘Waiting for Me’ throughout my life. I have done it several times in different countries, where I gave credit to her.
“When it comes to music that two people have to do together, she used to do more than I did. She would just tap me and say ‘Sunny, don’t worry, let’s take it this way, and it’s always good.”
He also debunked rumors of a romantic relationship with Onwenu, attributing it to a publicity stunt to promote their duets.
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“It was a gimmick we allowed because of the duets we did together. Before we launched the duet I did with her, “Waiting for Me”, people used to think that she was my girl friend. But both of us never said yes or no. On the day of the unveiling of the song, they were disappointed because of what they saw”, he said.
Reggae legend Orits Williki also paid tribute, describing Onwenu as a champion of justice who fought tirelessly for her rights and intellectual property.
He lamented that she didn’t fully reap the benefits of her efforts during her lifetime.
“There is a story about her when it comes to fighting for her right in terms of intellectual property. She was not somebody we can forget easily.It’s sad that she didn’t reap much of what she fought for. Only a few years ago she got a double supreme court judgment. It is sad that we have lost her and we know that her legacy is still in our minds,” Orits Williki said.