Nelly Uchendu

Nelly Uzonna Edith Uchendu, MON (1950 12 April 2005), was a Nigerian singer, composer and actress. Revered for modernising traditional Igbo folk music, Uchendu rose to prominence upon the release of her 1976 song “Love Nwantinti” which earned her the “Lady with the Golden Voice” sobriquet. She released 6 LP recordings during her career. Life and career She was born in 1950 in Osete, Umuchu, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. Uchendu started singing at an early age. She later joined Professor Sonny Oti’s music group under which she flourished using her vocals. In 1976, her music career shot to limelight following the release of the Homzy Sounds-produced classic titled “Love Nwantiti” off her debut LP composition Love Nwantiti; before she went on to release “Waka”, “Aka Bu Eze” and “Mama Hausa” which further established her in the Nigeria music industry. Her career saw her record in several genres of music including Igbo highlife, pop and gospel music. Uchendu’s career also saw her perform outside Nigeria, most notably performing in London, England alongside Sir Warrior and his Oriental Brothers during the 1980s. Acting In 1986, Uchendu guest-starred as Ikemefuna’s mother in NTA Network