Icons in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered at the Intercontinental Hotels Lagos on Sunday, 17 November to pay tribute to the late Lady of Songs; Christy Essien Igokwe, as her family launched her 11th and final album.
Present at the event were representative of Governor Raji Fashola; Commissioner Mike Ogbiadombe and the representative of Governor Godswill Akpabio; Umana Aniekan. Special Guests also included Onyeka Onwenu, Sonny Irabor, Timi Dakolo, Niyola, Yemi Alade, among others.
Giving the opening speech, Onyeka Onwenu described the late icon: “Christy was an amazing woman, a colleague and a friend. Make no mistake, we were competitors but it brought out the best in us.”
The event had dance performances to songs of the late legend and stage performances of one of her most popular works on TV – New Masquerade by PAWS. A fashion show showcasing clothes worn by the Late Lady of Songs on stage was part of the activities for the night as well as musical performances by Timi Dakolo, Yemi Alade, Victor Essien (Sleeky) and The Soul Train band.
Speaking at the event, the late singer’s son, Kaka Igbokwe said: “We are so happy to celebrate her art, her style and her heart. She was an amazing woman who touched the nation through her music, her acting and passion for children. We are excited that these distinguished Nigerians took time out to attend to honour her.”
About Christy Essien-Igbokwe
Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe MFR, also known as Nigeria’s Lady of Songs, was born on November 11 in 1960.
She was the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the chairman and managing director of Soul Train Entertainment Limited.
Although she was not Yoruba, most of her hit songs were sung in the western Nigerian language, and drew heavily on the culture and tradition.
Essien’s fluency in Yoruba, English, Igbo and her native Ibibio earned her an appeal which cut across tribal lines and thousands of fans will remember her for the song titled ‘Seun Rere.’
She died on June 30 2011.
