Joke Silva Reflects on Final Moments with Late Singer Onyeka Onwenu
Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has opened up about her last moments with late Nigerian music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away in July 2024 after collapsing during a performance at the 80th birthday celebration of Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO, Stella Okolie.
In a heartfelt interview with media personality WithChude, Silva shared her account of Onwenu’s final hours, revealing that the legendary singer did not pass away immediately after collapsing but held on for nearly two hours.
Recalling the event, Silva said, “We were at the same table at the party. During her performance, she came to me, pulled me up, and we had a twirl while she was singing ‘One Love.’ After we returned to our seats, I noticed Shola Momoh saying, ‘she’s not well, she slumped on her chair.’ But she still had a pulse and was just unconscious.”
Silva explained that CPR was administered, and doctors at the event attended to Onwenu before she was rushed to the hospital, where she remained for about one and a half hours before passing away.
Onyeka Onwenu was laid to rest on August 30 at Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi, Lagos, leaving behind a legacy as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated singers and activists.
