King Sunny Ade ( KSA), the respected Nigerian music legend, has talked about why he has neither denied nor confirmed the rumours that he was having an affair with the late lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu (MON).
In a recent condolence visit to the families of the late singer, KSA paid tributes to Onwenu while sharing his experiences with her.
Addressing rumours about their relationship, he 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.
King Sunny Ade 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.
Reflecting on their collaboration on the iconic song ‘Wait for Me,’ KSA noted that Onwenu often took the lead in their joint projects.
“Because 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 expressed his intention to continue performing 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.”
He 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.
Onwenu, a celebrated singer and actress, passed away on July 30 leaving a significant void in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
