Born in Nigeria, Uzo Egonu moved to Britain in the 1940s to pursue his artistic education and career. He remained based in the United Kingdom for the duration of his life, establishing himself as a significant figure within the diaspora of African artists working in Europe during the mid-20th century.

His practice was characterized by a distinct visual language that blended elements of Western modernism with motifs and concerns rooted in African history and identity. Working across painting and printmaking, he explored themes of displacement, political conflict, and cultural heritage, maintaining a deep engagement with the socio-political landscape of Nigeria despite his long-term residence abroad.

Egonu's legacy continues to be reassessed within the context of global modernism. His contributions are increasingly highlighted in major institutional surveys that examine the development of Nigerian art and the influence of artists who navigated the intersection of African and European artistic traditions.