How I want to be buried - Late Onyeka Onwenu Instructed Before Her Demise

Veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu disclosed her preferences for her burial and memorial service in a reflection she posted three years prior.

The legendary musician, who was well-known for her advocacy and strong voice, passed away on Tuesday night at Lagos' Reddington Hospital following a fall at Mrs. Stella Okoli's birthday celebration.

Onwenu emphasised that her funeral should not include superfluous pomp in an opinion post she published for Premium Times in 2021.

"Do it quickly, quietly, and privately," she said.

In place of "mourning, yes but not excessively," she asked her loved ones to concentrate on praying and having fun while they celebrated her life.

"After lunch or dinner, celebrate me with prayers. Laugh and tell some jokes about me."

"Celebrate and then go on with your daily activities. My friends should celebrate me now, while I'm still here, so that I may share in the delight with them, rather than after I've passed away and they won't know about it. Onyeka Onwenu, that's me," she affirmed.

In addition to discussing more general cultural customs, Onwenu denounced the ostentatious displays of riches that are customarily observed during Nigerian funerals. She made a comparison between her own desires and the lavish burial of Obi Cubana's mother, which caused a national uproar.

With a diverse background in advocacy, journalism, politics, music, and movies, Onwenu has had a varied career. She has occupied a number of positions, such as X Factor judge and chair of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

Many people are familiar with her words and music; two of her most well-known songs are "One Love" and "You and I."

She is also the author of the autobiographical novel "My Father's Daughter."

See our recent news on how Nigeria's Legendary Singer, Onyeka Onwenu died