Tributes, encomiums herald Christy Essien Igbokwe’s posthumous album launch

Christy Essien-Igbokwe

Dancers at the event

Artistes dancing Seun Rere

 

Artistes dancing her song Teta Nu Na Ula

The official launch of Late Chief Mrs. Christy Essien Igbokwe’s foundation and the presentation of her 11th and final album “All Of A Sudden” provided an opportunity for sober reflection on the life and time of the legend as well as what her music stood for.

The event which took place at the Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos on Sunday, November 17, 2013 attracted the Crème de la Crème of the society including Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Disu Holloway, who represented governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola (SAN), and the representative of Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State Hon. Aniekan Umana. Special Guests also included Onyeka Onwenu, Sonny Irabor, Timi Dakolo, Niyola, Yeni Kuti, Laolu Akins, Austin Izagbo, Yemi Alade among others.

The event officially commenced around 5 pm with cocktails and Blue carpet moments. Compered by a seasoned broadcaster and marketing communications expert, Mr. Soni Irabor, Christy’s nephew, Victor Essien (Sleeky) performed one of Christy’s songs: “Ever Liked My Person”. This was followed by Soul Train choreographers who performed “Hear The Call”. Adorned in Akwa Ibom costumes, two male and two female dancers performed the Lady of Songs’ music titled “Akwa Ibom Mi”.  

Guests were also treated to “Seun Rere” and “Teta Nu Na Ula”, songs she did in Yoruba and Igbo Languages, respectively. There were also 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 as musical performances by Timi Dakolo, Yemi Alade and The Soul Train band.

While giving her speech, veteran pop music sensation and actress, Onyeka Onwenu described Igbokwe as an amazing woman, a colleague and a friend.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development further said that: “It is true that we don’t quite appreciate someone until they are gone. We didn’t appreciate Christy before she died. I was moved by her songs – the depth, the lyrics and the artistry. She sang in many languages, cared, loved and lived for other people. She forgot self.

“Tonight, we love her all over again. I miss her sense of humour. Whenever we met at backstage, we talked, played and so on.  I had and still have great admiration about her, though we were competitors. The society brought out the best from two of us. Her spirit continues to live after her demise because we will continue to promote her works. I am here in capacity of her colleague and in the capacity of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development,” Onwenu said.

Also speaking, Christy’s son, Kaka Igbokwe expressed appreciation to the guests at the event and said: “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.”

She indeed left a legacy and a message Nigerians should think about and learn from.