Legends in the Nigerian entertainment industry gathered at the Intercontinental Hotels Lagos on Sunday, 17 November 2013 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 Gov. Raji Fashola; Commissioner Mike Ogbiadombe and the representative of Gov. Godswill Akpabio; Hon Umana Aniekan. Special Guests also included Onyeka Onwenu, Sonny Irabor, Timi Dakolo, Niyola, Yemi Alade among others.
Giving the opening speech, Onyeka Onwenu spoke of the late icon “Christy was an amazing woman, a colleague and a friend. Make no mistake, we were competitiors 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 musical performances by Timi Dakolo, Yemi Alade, Victor Essien (Sleeky) and The Soul Train band.
“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.’ Kaka Igbokwe, her son expressed at the event.
For more information about the Christy Essien Igbokwe Memorial Foundation, visit www.christyessienigbokwememorialfoundation.com and follow @Ceimf on Twitter.
About Christy Essien-Igbokwe
Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe MFR (11 November 1960 – 30 June 2011), also known as Nigeria’s Lady of Songs, put Nigeria’s name on the world music map with her evergreen “Seun Rere” track. She was the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). Born on 11 November 1960, the singer and actress was the chairman and managing director of Soul Train Entertainment Limited. Although she was not Yoruba, most of her hits 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.
