Were Christy Essien-Igbokwe, popularly known as Lady of Songs for her singing prowess, alive, she would have been 58 on Sunday.
She was born on November 11, 1960.
However, she died on June 30, 2011.
In recognition of her significance in the music industry even in death, the search engine giant, Google, has honoured her with its doodle.
Her picture is beautifully imposed on its logo.
The Akwa Ibom State born artist was the first president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN.
She produced hits upon hits hence the title of “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs.”
Some of her hits are Seun Rere, Ife, Iya Mi Ranti, Ever Liked My Person, Onwu, Nobody Can Stop You, Rumours, Take Life Easy, Ka Anyi Gba Egwu, Do You Hear Me Children?
The Lady of Songs started her music career singing as a secondary school student.
Essien-Igbokwe was also an actress.
She was popular as one of the acts in the The Masquerade in which she played the role of Apena, who was married to a troublesome Jegede Sokoya, played by Claude Eke.
They made an interesting match in the drama which kept almost all Nigerians glued to their television sets at the time.
She won different awards both home and abroad for her performances.
Some of them are: “Silver Prize” Winner at 6th Seoul Songs Festival, South Korea – 1983; “Grand Prix“ Winner at Neewollah Music Festival at Independence, Kansas, USA – 1983; “International Special Achievement” Award of Musexpo, Acapulco, Mexico, 1983; “Certificate of Merit” Award for songwriting and composing at the 10th Annual American Songs Festival, Los Angeles, USA – 1983 and “Audience Favourite” Award of International Music Festival at Baker University, USA – 1983 and many more.
At the local level, she won the “Star Performer” Award of Nigerian Television Authority – 1983; “Best Actress Runner-Up” Award for Excellence by Silver Jubilee Committee of the Nigerian Television Authority – 1984; “African Music Mother” Award by Music Extravaganza’84 in collaboration with African Music Development, New York, USA and “Adaha Onna” (Pillar of Onna LGA) and “Golden Voice of Africa” Award by Music Students Association, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, among others.
