The lady of songs and one of Nigeria’s most prominent musicians and actresses, Christy Essien Igboke is dead. She passed on to eternity Thursday morning after a brief illness her husband of more than 31yrs, Edwin Igbokwe confirmed to Vanguard.
Aged 50, Mama PMEAN as the songstress was more fondly called by musicians was one of the founding members of what is today known as the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMEAN).
“My wife passed on this morning” was the way husband Chief Edwin Igbokwe confirmed news of her death to our reporter.
It was however reported that Madam Christy who made her last public appearance at the finals of the Idol Nigeria, a reality show, where she sang one of her favourite evergreen songs ‘Seun Rere’ was ill for only three days.
Her 13- year-old son Samuel who also confirmed news of his mother’s death said she had premonition of her death.
“My mum had prophesied earlier in the year that she would die and today, her prophesy has come to pass.”
Emma Ogosi— First General Secretary, PMAN
She was the founder of PMAN. In 1981. She sent us letters and invited us to a meeting. And I was there in Port-Harcourt on the 13th of January 1982 for the meeting at Ariya Night Club, Yaba. So, in 1984, PMAN was registered.
She loved music and practiced music. She wanted other people to share with her in moving the music industry forward. Although much younger, she was our mother. She and Obey contributed so much.
I was in Port-Harcourt when the 2million Man Match was held. Although we didn’t know what it was all about what we expected. I came all the way from Port-Harcourt to support her because she did nothing wrong.
She did so much for the industry for decades. She was a reformer. She came before her time.
PMAN is gone! On behalf of PMAN, I appeal to Edwin and the children to be courageous and believe God has done the best. It’s better to live footprints and go than hang around forever in shame. We will never forget her. Goodbye mama
Ebenezer Obey— Founding member PMAN
I was blown away with that news. It’s a sad story. By her death, Nigeria has lost a rare gem again, one of the best thing to ever happen in the industry. Her contributions to founding PMAN is unquantified. She was the one who rallied us together. She’s kind-hearted and humble.
May her soul rest in peace.
Onyeka Onwenu— Former PMAN Vice President
I know why you are calling me. Has it been confirmed and by whom? It’s a very sad news. I wish it is not confirmed at last. I’m short of more words.
Fred Agbaje- Legal Advicer , PMAN
I was her personal and company lawyer. She brought me to PMAN in 1992. She was a fantastic woman, an ideal house wife, mother, a complete woman. She took her trade, music seriously. Her contribution will remain in our memory for life. I pray that God will give her family strength to bear the loss.
Ben Bruce, Executive Chairman, Silverbird group
I’m completely devastated by the news. She was my friend and great artiste. She always made me happy. I wanted to do a special on her and it’s my greatest regret that I didn’t.
She’s one of the pioneers of modern music and since we’re losing all of them to death, how many of them are left?
Dele Abiodun, PMAN President
It’s a big shock. I never heard about her sickness, what kind of death is that? In fact, I saw her some six months ago in her house and we discussed PMAN issues as the past president.
We planned getting stakeholders to register PMAN. I’ll have to visit her house early tomorrow morning. She has contributed immensely and we can never treat her with levity. Nigeria has lost a giant in the industry.
And we can’t get another Christy Essien. She was a queen, mother to PMAN and to every Nigerian musician. She never refused anyone valuable advice. Now that we’ve lost her; we’re in a mess.
The Woman Christy Essien Igbokwe
She began her musical career in Secondary School,singing at various clubs in Aba, Abia State such as Uka Onu’s Club and Unikoko.
Essien lost her mother at age 12 and her dad in 2005.Growing up she lived with her late mother’s friend who encouraged her singing career and bought her a fairly used cassette player to record her songs.
She is best remembered as Apeno the wife of the cantankerous character Jegede Shokoya (played by Claude Eke who passed away in 2002) in the sensational situational comedy ‘The New Masquerade’ .The role shot the young actress to stardom. She later featured in two Nollywood movies “Flesh and Blood” and “Sacred of Womanhood in the early days of Nollywood.
She began her music career in NTA Aba on a programme called ‘Now Sound’. During that time New Masquerade was also airing on NTA Aba .One of the recordings she noticed a cast member rehearsing his lines incorrectly so she volunteered to correct him thereafter she was landed a role in the series.
The singer and actress released her first album (Freedom) in 1976 at aged 16 and wedded Edwin Igbokwe three years later.
She followed up with other albums ; ‘Patience’, ‘Time Waits for No One’(both 1978), ‘One Understanding’ (1979), ‘Give Me A Chance’ (1980) – however her 1981 hit album, ‘Ever Liked My Person’ remains her best LP till date. Released under London-based label, EMI International Records, which was more inclined towards promoting Nigerian pop music in Europe and America, ‘Ever Liked My Person’ featured production from one of Nigeria’s top producers, Lemmy Jackson,who was touted as Nigeria’s Quincy Jones.
The Akwa-Ibom born performer also had the honour of composing and performing what would later be known as her state’s anthem of sorts, “Akwa-Ibom Mmi (My Akwa-Ibom)” in 1987, its year of creation.
According to Uchenna Ikonne, a music critique and connoisseur, ‘Critics attributed the album’s success to the fact that it was released during the London era of Nigerian music.
In the early 80s,quite a number of international record labels, like EMI Records, had business interests in Nigeria and signed local artists, flying them abroad to record albums and shoot videos. Essien-Igbokwe, one of the beneficiaries ‘, was mastered in Los Angeles by some of the industry’s best hands, while a couple of videos, including the title track, were shot on the streets of Los Angeles’.
Although she is 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.
As one of Nigeria’s finest and foremost female pop vocalists, her roll call of honours include Africa music mother award (1984), international special achievement award Mexico( 1983),
World Song Festival Award, Association of theatre arts practitioners Lagos (1996) ,National Honours Award(MFR) IN 2002.
The Future
She is currently involved in private business, running the non-governmental organisation Essential Child Care Foundation involved in child welfare needs and rights as well. Her recent public outings include the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert in January 2009, where she performed alongside her son Kaka and the MTN Musical Festival, a musical show of old and new-breed musicians in 2009.
Her second son, Kaka is also towing the music line. He is a hip hop artiste and producer. One of her earliest albums ‘Ever Liked my Person’ sold above platinum till date. So popular was one of its hit track ‘Omo Mi Seun rere’, that a number of African countries have sang their own version. The singer intends intend to spend the day with the less-privileged children as she has always done over the years.
Chief Zebrudaya mourns
Reactions have continued to pour in from all quarters as Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya Okorigwe Nwogbo Alias 4.30, the lead character in the now rested TV drama “The New Masquerade” has described Christy’s death as “shocking and a very big blow to the entertainment industry in Nigeria.”
Christy was one of the cast of the satirical NTA series where she acted the very engaging character, Apeno. Her short role in that popular sitcom that was the most popular television drama in the 70s and 80s’ helped to put her in the limelight.
Chief Zebrudaya said that since Christy left the set of the New Masquerade, they have not been able to get somebody that would play her role excellently. “Christy carved out an nice for herself, while acting alongside Clarus Ngbojikwe alias Acting Big Man as his Yoruba wife. We missed her on the set. Since she left the production, we have not been able to get somebody that would fit into her role. We pray that ‘Chineke’ God should give her a second chance so that she can return to us.”
“I don’t know what to now, Jegede died a long time ago, while Clarus had gone blind. Girigori is based in Umuahia and Ovoria has relocated to London. It’s a pity, I’m confused.” Zebrubdaya lamented.
Culled from : Vanguard Newspaper
Aged 50, Mama PMEAN as the songstress was more fondly called by musicians was one of the founding members of what is today known as the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMEAN).
“My wife passed on this morning” was the way husband Chief Edwin Igbokwe confirmed news of her death to our reporter.
Christy Essien
Her 13- year-old son Samuel who also confirmed news of his mother’s death said she had premonition of her death.
“My mum had prophesied earlier in the year that she would die and today, her prophesy has come to pass.”
Emma Ogosi— First General Secretary, PMAN
She was the founder of PMAN. In 1981. She sent us letters and invited us to a meeting. And I was there in Port-Harcourt on the 13th of January 1982 for the meeting at Ariya Night Club, Yaba. So, in 1984, PMAN was registered.
She loved music and practiced music. She wanted other people to share with her in moving the music industry forward. Although much younger, she was our mother. She and Obey contributed so much.
I was in Port-Harcourt when the 2million Man Match was held. Although we didn’t know what it was all about what we expected. I came all the way from Port-Harcourt to support her because she did nothing wrong.
She did so much for the industry for decades. She was a reformer. She came before her time.
PMAN is gone! On behalf of PMAN, I appeal to Edwin and the children to be courageous and believe God has done the best. It’s better to live footprints and go than hang around forever in shame. We will never forget her. Goodbye mama
Ebenezer Obey— Founding member PMAN
I was blown away with that news. It’s a sad story. By her death, Nigeria has lost a rare gem again, one of the best thing to ever happen in the industry. Her contributions to founding PMAN is unquantified. She was the one who rallied us together. She’s kind-hearted and humble.
May her soul rest in peace.
Onyeka Onwenu— Former PMAN Vice President
I know why you are calling me. Has it been confirmed and by whom? It’s a very sad news. I wish it is not confirmed at last. I’m short of more words.
Fred Agbaje- Legal Advicer , PMAN
I was her personal and company lawyer. She brought me to PMAN in 1992. She was a fantastic woman, an ideal house wife, mother, a complete woman. She took her trade, music seriously. Her contribution will remain in our memory for life. I pray that God will give her family strength to bear the loss.
Ben Bruce, Executive Chairman, Silverbird group
I’m completely devastated by the news. She was my friend and great artiste. She always made me happy. I wanted to do a special on her and it’s my greatest regret that I didn’t.
She’s one of the pioneers of modern music and since we’re losing all of them to death, how many of them are left?
Dele Abiodun, PMAN President
It’s a big shock. I never heard about her sickness, what kind of death is that? In fact, I saw her some six months ago in her house and we discussed PMAN issues as the past president.
We planned getting stakeholders to register PMAN. I’ll have to visit her house early tomorrow morning. She has contributed immensely and we can never treat her with levity. Nigeria has lost a giant in the industry.
And we can’t get another Christy Essien. She was a queen, mother to PMAN and to every Nigerian musician. She never refused anyone valuable advice. Now that we’ve lost her; we’re in a mess.
The Woman Christy Essien Igbokwe
She began her musical career in Secondary School,singing at various clubs in Aba, Abia State such as Uka Onu’s Club and Unikoko.
Essien lost her mother at age 12 and her dad in 2005.Growing up she lived with her late mother’s friend who encouraged her singing career and bought her a fairly used cassette player to record her songs.
She is best remembered as Apeno the wife of the cantankerous character Jegede Shokoya (played by Claude Eke who passed away in 2002) in the sensational situational comedy ‘The New Masquerade’ .The role shot the young actress to stardom. She later featured in two Nollywood movies “Flesh and Blood” and “Sacred of Womanhood in the early days of Nollywood.
She began her music career in NTA Aba on a programme called ‘Now Sound’. During that time New Masquerade was also airing on NTA Aba .One of the recordings she noticed a cast member rehearsing his lines incorrectly so she volunteered to correct him thereafter she was landed a role in the series.
The singer and actress released her first album (Freedom) in 1976 at aged 16 and wedded Edwin Igbokwe three years later.
She followed up with other albums ; ‘Patience’, ‘Time Waits for No One’(both 1978), ‘One Understanding’ (1979), ‘Give Me A Chance’ (1980) – however her 1981 hit album, ‘Ever Liked My Person’ remains her best LP till date. Released under London-based label, EMI International Records, which was more inclined towards promoting Nigerian pop music in Europe and America, ‘Ever Liked My Person’ featured production from one of Nigeria’s top producers, Lemmy Jackson,who was touted as Nigeria’s Quincy Jones.
The Akwa-Ibom born performer also had the honour of composing and performing what would later be known as her state’s anthem of sorts, “Akwa-Ibom Mmi (My Akwa-Ibom)” in 1987, its year of creation.
According to Uchenna Ikonne, a music critique and connoisseur, ‘Critics attributed the album’s success to the fact that it was released during the London era of Nigerian music.
In the early 80s,quite a number of international record labels, like EMI Records, had business interests in Nigeria and signed local artists, flying them abroad to record albums and shoot videos. Essien-Igbokwe, one of the beneficiaries ‘, was mastered in Los Angeles by some of the industry’s best hands, while a couple of videos, including the title track, were shot on the streets of Los Angeles’.
Although she is 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.
As one of Nigeria’s finest and foremost female pop vocalists, her roll call of honours include Africa music mother award (1984), international special achievement award Mexico( 1983),
World Song Festival Award, Association of theatre arts practitioners Lagos (1996) ,National Honours Award(MFR) IN 2002.
The Future
She is currently involved in private business, running the non-governmental organisation Essential Child Care Foundation involved in child welfare needs and rights as well. Her recent public outings include the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert in January 2009, where she performed alongside her son Kaka and the MTN Musical Festival, a musical show of old and new-breed musicians in 2009.
Her second son, Kaka is also towing the music line. He is a hip hop artiste and producer. One of her earliest albums ‘Ever Liked my Person’ sold above platinum till date. So popular was one of its hit track ‘Omo Mi Seun rere’, that a number of African countries have sang their own version. The singer intends intend to spend the day with the less-privileged children as she has always done over the years.
Chief Zebrudaya mourns
Reactions have continued to pour in from all quarters as Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya Okorigwe Nwogbo Alias 4.30, the lead character in the now rested TV drama “The New Masquerade” has described Christy’s death as “shocking and a very big blow to the entertainment industry in Nigeria.”
Christy was one of the cast of the satirical NTA series where she acted the very engaging character, Apeno. Her short role in that popular sitcom that was the most popular television drama in the 70s and 80s’ helped to put her in the limelight.
Chief Zebrudaya said that since Christy left the set of the New Masquerade, they have not been able to get somebody that would play her role excellently. “Christy carved out an nice for herself, while acting alongside Clarus Ngbojikwe alias Acting Big Man as his Yoruba wife. We missed her on the set. Since she left the production, we have not been able to get somebody that would fit into her role. We pray that ‘Chineke’ God should give her a second chance so that she can return to us.”
“I don’t know what to now, Jegede died a long time ago, while Clarus had gone blind. Girigori is based in Umuahia and Ovoria has relocated to London. It’s a pity, I’m confused.” Zebrubdaya lamented.
Culled from : Vanguard Newspaper
