One of Nigeria’s most celebrated female musician/song writer, Christy Essien Igbokwe, has passed on.
Christy, who is also nick-named the “lady of songs” died after three days of illness.

Born on 11th November 1960, in Akwa Ibom state, Christy lost her mother at the age of 12 and lived with her mother’s friend who encouraged her singing capabilities by buying her a cassette player to record her songs.
She began her musical career in secondary school, singing at various clubs in Aba and  later got a role at  NTA Aba on a programme called “Now Sound'. She became quite popular as she played the role of “Apena” the wife of the cantankerous character Chief Jegede Shokoya, in the sensational situational comedy “The New Masquerade” .The role shot young Christy to stardom.

The young actress at that time released her debut album “Freedom” in 1976 at aged 16. Her 1976 album was preceded with other albums; “Patience”, “Time Waits for No One” (both in 1978), “One Understanding” (1979), “Give Me A Chance” (1980).

In 1981, Christy’s album, “Ever Liked My Person” which features the hit single “Omo Mi Se Ohun Rere”, put Nigeria's name on the world music map and it still remains her best LP till date. She however went ahead to release other albums in 1986 (Taking my time), 1990 (Hear the call) and “It’s time”.
She was the first female president of the performing musicians association of Nigeria and is also the chairman and managing director of Soul Train entertainment limited.

Her Honours include Nigerian lady of songs award, Africa music mother award 1984, international special achievement award Mexico 1983 world song festival award Los Angeles queen of music international award association of theatre arts practitioners Lagos 1996 outstanding achievement in female uplifting. She has also contributed enormously to nation building, peace and tolerance - which, alongside moral uprightness, remain constant themes of her songs.

The singer and actress who would have been 51 in November, had her last major outing at the finale of Nigerian Idol in March, 2011.


http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/seun-rere-crooner-christy-essien-igbokwe-dead

Why are we losing all these talents so early?

So sad.

I still remember her song in yoruba 'mo loro yi so o? Soso ka gbo, '
what a great loss. May her soul rest in peace.

Oh no! So sad!

Sobs. She was one of the real singers and not all these money hungry musicians that we have now. These ones sang for the love of music and spread the truth through their sounds. This country didn't take proper care of this kind. Rest in peace pace setter.