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Chronicles of Greatness (18) Christy Essien Igbokwe
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Christy Uduak Essien Igbokwe (1960 –2011)
She was popularly known and called Christy Essien – Igbokwe. She was also known as Nigeria's Lady of Songs. Christy was a Nigerian musician and actress born 11th November 1960 in Okat, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She lived most of her life in Aba, Abia State with her late mother's friend who supported and encouraged her singing career by buying her a fairly used cassette player to record her songs.
Christy's music career started in secondary school when she sang at various clubs like Uka Onu and Unikoko in Aba, Abia State. She featured on “Now Sound” a programme aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (N.T.A) Channel 6, Aba.
In 1976, She was also given the role of Akpenor, the wife of the cantankerous character, Jegede Sokoya to play in the series called “The New Masquerade.” Jegede Sokoya's role was played by Claude Eke who later died in 2002.
In 1977, she launched a professional music career. That same year, she released her debut album title 'Freedom.'
In 1981, she hit a huge success with her album 'Ever Liked My Person' produced by Lemmy Jackson. None of the albums she had produced before then could beat that particular album.
Christy always played important roles in issues that affected women and children. She played remarkable roles in Nollywood Movies such as 'Flesh & Blood' 'Scars of Womanhood' both of which addressed the issue of child abuse and female circumcision.
In the same 1981, she initiated the first meeting that brought about the formation of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN. The aim of this meeting was to make life better for Nigerian artists.
In 1982, PMAN was formally founded by King Sunny Ade who was automatically the president, late Sonny Okosun was the Vice President and Christy Essien Igbokwe was the National Treasurer.
In 1987, the year Akwa Ibom was created, Christy composed and performed what was later know as her State's anthem - 'Akwa Ibom Mmi (My Akwa Ibom).'
In 1996, she became the first female PMAN president until 1999. She featured in many national and international shows and also operated a shop in Etinan her native town where she sold printing machines.
Her ever fresh track “Seun Rere” put Nigeria's name on the world music map. Christy was also the chairman and managing director of Soul Train entertainment limited.
Christy spoke Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, English and Ibibio fluently which gave her an edge to sing her songs fluently in Igbo, Ibibio, Hausa, Yoruba, English including Efik.
Christy did many charity works and was a matron in different institutions including University of Lagos Eni-Njoku Hall, Akwa Ibom Journalist Forum, Kaduna and National Association of Akwa Ibom Students, University of Port Harcourt.
In 2009, she performed alongside her son Kaka at the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert and MTN music festival, a musical show of old and new breed musicians.
Her second son, Kaka who is also following the same music path is a hip hop artiste and producer.
As the days drew close to her death, she was involved in private business. She ran the Non-governmental Organisation Essential Child Care Foundation which dealt with child welfare needs and rights.
Christy Uduak Essien – Igbokwe died 30th June 2011 of Gastro-intestinal disorder in Lagos, Nigeria. She is survived by her husband (Who recently remarried) and children.
Songs: You can't change a Man, Ka Saura re ni, Take Life easy, Hear the call and so on.
Outstanding Achievements: Formation of PMAN, PMRS (Performing and Mechanical Rights Society), Abrogation of Offshore/Onshore Oil Dichotomy, Sustained existence of the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Commission) Private Telephony and so on.
Awards: “Lady of Songs” by Nigerian Entertainment Writers – 1980, “Silver Prize” Winner at 6th Seoul Songs Festival, South Korea – 1983, “Star Performer” Award of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) – 1983, “Best Actress Runner-Up” Award for Excellence by silver Jubilee Committee of the Nigerian Television Organization of Nigeria (NTA) – 1984, Entertainment Icon” by West African Women in Leadership Conference (in Ghana) – 2011, among many others.
Outstanding Attribute: Unusual heart for humanity. Love for God and love for the people.
Supporting Attributes: Born leader, desire for change and result growth.
Christy Essien Igbokwe. (2015). Wikipedia website. Retrieved 15:10, May 28, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christy_Essien-Igbokwe style="color: #000000;">.
Copyright © 2015 [Adebola A. Ayoade]. All Rights Reserved.
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