King Sunny Ade (KSA), the revered Nigerian music legend, has opened up about the longstanding rumours of an affair with the late Onyeka Onwenu (MON), the celebrated “Lady of Songs.” During a recent condolence visit to Onwenu’s family, KSA paid heartfelt tributes to the late singer and shared his experiences working with her.
Addressing the rumours, KSA clarified that the speculation was a strategic move to promote their music. “That was a gimmick we did. It was for the music. We wanted to launch ‘Wait for Me.’ Before, people used to think she was my girlfriend. Me and her have never said yes or no,” he explained.
KSA described Onwenu as an extraordinary woman who provided invaluable advice and support. “She’s someone who will sit down with you. She used to say, ‘Can I chip in for some advice?’ And the advice was always excellent,” he recalled.
While opening up on their collaboration on the iconic song ‘Wait for Me,’ KSA noted that Onwenu often took the lead in their joint projects. “When it comes to music that the two people have to do together, she used to do more. She would just tell me, ‘Sunny, let’s take it this way.’ And it’s always good,” he said.
He said he would continue to perform the song in her honour, always crediting her as the true owner. “I will, on her behalf, sing it throughout my life with any artiste that you want me to. I’ve done it several times in different countries. I mentioned her name. I said she’s the owner of the song.”
KSA also shared the values he learned from Onwenu, emphasising her dedication to music and her vision for their work to have a global impact. “She’s the first person to say, ‘This thing, we must do it. Sunny, let’s do it. This is what we want to do. It’s not only for us. It’s not only for our nation but for the whole world,’” he stated.
Secured Naija reported that the Icon, Onyeka Onwenu, a celebrated singer and actress, passed away on July 30, leaving a significant void in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
