Nelly Uchendu - Wakabout (Audio)

The late undisputed queen of Nigerian Highlife

View Nelly Uchendu's discography and listen to her classic hits 'Love Nwatinti' and 'Mamamusa' at :
http://likembe.blogspot.com/2008/10/small-love-and-soft-voice.html

To many, the name Nelly Uchenna may not ring a bell, but hum the song " Love Nwantiti" and smiles would spread on the faces of [her admirers]. "Love Nwantiti" was that hit song that brought prominence to Nelly Uchendu.

...Nelly, who lived all her life in Enugu, would also be remembered for "Waka," another hit song that clearly established her as the Golden Voice of the Nigerian music industry. Honoured with the National Honour, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Nelly Uchendu, whose last moment on earth was spent battling the Anambra State government for gratuity, joined her ancestors after a brief illness. The news of her death spread like a wild fire and sent shock waves across [Nigeria].

[Friday, May 20, 2005] was blackout for the music industry as friends, relations and colleagues gathered in Ogidi for the final burial rites. It was tears galore. Emotions were high. Sadness and agony were in the faces of the people around. That was at Ogidi, Anambra State, at the burial of Mrs. Nelly Uzonna Ikpeze (Nee Uchendu). Nelly died at the age of 55 after a brief illness. It was a very solemn ceremony as her family, colleagues, friends and well-wishers assembled to pay her last respects, and it was tribute galore, as well.

Nelly's last journey commenced on Thursday, May 19, 2005, when a wake-keep was held for her in her husband's house, in Ogidi, which was marked with Christian songs and rendition. Then came Friday, May 20, 2005, her final journey with a church service at Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ogidi. First the body of Nelly was received into the churchyard by the officiating priests. Prayers were said for the repose to her soul. Psalm 90 was read to console the bereaved, while the lesson for the service was taken from Revelation 7 verse 9 to the end.

After this, the grave was consecrated for the final committal of her body. As her body was being lowered into her final resting place, her relations, friends, colleagues and well-wishers could no longer control themselves. They allowed their tears to flow freely. Some of her close friends including Onyeka Onwenu cried [uncontrollably]... "Her colleagues, members of Association of Female Musicians (in Nigeria) were fully represented and in their tribute they lamented how sad it would be for them to miss Nelly's company.

In recent years Uchendu had devoted herself solely to Christian devotional music. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Source: http://likembe.blogspot.com/

Category:

Music

Tags:

• nelly
• uchendu
• highlife
• nigeria
• naija
• wakabout

[bellemskey]

Planetolusola, its me again, coming here to cool my nerves... Nelly Uchendu does that all the time... Her tunes are ever green... God bless you Planetolusola.

[planetolusola]

@bellemskey You're welcome bellemskey.

[Campoeze]

God Bless you Planetolusola for bringing back good old memories back to me.I fell like crying thinking of the Nija I left behind since 93. Nelly was a family friend and we all loved her so much!! MAY HER GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE!

[planetolusola]

My pleasure Campoeze. Nelly will always be remembered as one of the greatest diva of Nigerian music scene.

[otamiyo]

life evaporates daily in Nigeria but I rather die there than dwell in regret to the society that will always dehumanize you. Man, no matter what you will never belong there,,,,,,

[ikongshulashima]

If you feel this music thumb up pls....

[glutamate1000]

can someone who really know how this beautiful woman died tell us? i'm talking about nelly uchendu! her song is one of the songs we used to hear on radio as egwu agwara ogwa when i was still in primary one. lol...... i would like to know how she died.

[afroblack1000]

@otamiyo . Well said

[Ayee1998]

this music reminds me of my childhood days,hearing music like this on the airways,music that well thought out,composed and record. it saddens my heart how she suffered and died in mysery,how our nation threats our TRUE HEROS...

[Geenona]

@naijanistan

Really? so r u saying dat Nelly died non-gallantly? U must b out of ur mind&also out of touch? So Gani dat died of cancer died gallantly? If u r in Nigeria, I pray r not hit by 'a minor illness', you may die out of it, u could also be hit by a drunk driver or b shot by a police officer dat insists you give him a tip. How about that? If you live outside Nigeria, I hope u r not slaving away.....u know exactly what I mean. Nelly died a gallant&great Nigerian! Respect that!

[Geenona]

@ezeamalu

Nelly Uchendu did not die in that plane crash. It was Uche Ofianwali. Please do your research very well. Thank you

[ugochikay]

A roll model that will ever be she really contributed to humanity ever-Ly loved

[ugochikay]

THOUGH YOU GONE YOUR EVENLY GREEN IN MY HEART

[shl90084]

Oh! i can remember those days. nice one.

[edemgbako]

Nigerian musicians of the era before and after the 80's were super dupa. Thumbs up for them. Those of the 80's tower very high. My childhood memories revolve around them. They are my heros. Unfortunately, many of them have done their job and gone at a time we most need their wise and life chaning messages/counsels. May God grant eternal rest for the dead among them. May the living among them enjoy good health and peace of mind and security of properties. AMEN.

[multiben247]

THIS SONG DID NOT LEAVE MY BRAIN FOR A SECOND.