Nigerian entertainment figures gathered in Lagos on the evening of September 3 for a tribute night honouring the late singer, actress, and journalist Onyeka Onwenu, ahead of the cinema release of her final film, “Properties of the Gods,” today, September 4.
The historical drama, produced by Joseph Okechukwu and written by Patrick Nnamani, with co-direction by Uzodinma Okpechi and Okey Oku, features Onwenu alongside Pete Edochie, Zack Orji, Hilda Dokubo, Enyinna Nwigwe, Jennifer Eliogu, and Elvina Ibru, among other Nollywood veterans.
The film addresses the Osu caste system historically practised in parts of Igbo society.
Okechukwu had earlier suspended plans for a traditional red-carpet premiere, saying it would have been inappropriate to hold an elaborate celebration while the families of Onwenu and fellow cast member Cynthia Okereke, both of whom died before the film’s completion, were still mourning.
He said funds originally set aside for the premiere were redirected toward condolence visits to the families of the deceased cast members and a series of visits to traditional rulers in the South-East.
Okechukwu designated today, September 4, the film’s official release date, as “Onyeka Onwenu Day” in her honour, and said the tribute night was intended to celebrate her legacy alongside that of other cast and crew members who did not live to see the film released.
Onwenu is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainers, known for a decades-long career as a singer, actress, and public commentator. “Properties of the Gods” marks one of her final on-screen performances.
