Christy Essien-Igbokwe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chief
Christy Essien-Igbokwe
MFR FICA
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Christy Essien Igbokwe
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christiana Uduak Essien |
| Also known as |
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| Born | 11 November 1960 Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria |
| Died | 30 June 2011 (aged 50) Lagos |
| Genres | R&B Soul High Life |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, actress |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1970–2011 |
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Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe (born November 11, 1960 – died June 30, 2011) was a famous Nigerian singer and actress. People called her "Nigeria's Lady of Songs." She was well-known for her popular songs like "Seun Rere", "Tete Nula", and "Hear the Call".
Christy Essien-Igbokwe was also a leader. She was the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). This group helps musicians in Nigeria. She also led Soul Train Entertainment.
She could sing in many different languages, including Igbo, Ibibio, Efik, Hausa, Yoruba, and English. Because she spoke so many languages, her music was loved by people from different parts of Nigeria.
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Early Life
Christy was born in a place called Okat, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Her mother passed away when Christy was only 12 years old. After that, she moved to Aba, Abia to live with one of her mother's friends.
This friend really encouraged Christy's singing talent. She even bought Christy a used cassette player. This helped Christy record her songs and start her music journey.
Family Life
In October 1979, Christy married Chief Edwin Chukwunenye Igbokwe. He was a managing director at Punch Nigeria, a newspaper company.
They had four sons together: Obiora, Chinwuba, Solomon, and Lucky. Later, they also had three grandchildren: Elizabeth, Christiana, and David. Sadly, Christy passed away before she could meet her grandchildren.
Her Achievements and Impact
Christy Essien-Igbokwe was a very influential person in Nigeria. She achieved many important things beyond just her music.
Helping Musicians: PMAN and PMRS
Christy was a key person in creating the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in 1982. This group is like a union for musicians. It helps protect their rights and ensures their well-being in Nigeria and around the world. When PMAN faced problems, Christy was asked to lead it. She became the first and only female president of a trade union in Nigeria, serving two terms.
She also helped start the Performing and Mechanical Rights Society (PMRS) of Nigeria. This society helps musicians get paid royalties for their music. Royalties are payments made to artists when their songs are played or used. Christy was the chairman of the PMRS board for two terms.
Making a Difference for Nigeria
Christy used her influence to help her country in many ways.
Ending the Offshore/Onshore Oil Rule
It's said that Christy played a big part in ending a rule about oil money. This rule, called the "onshore and offshore oil dichotomy," meant that states near the coast didn't get as much money from oil found offshore. Christy campaigned to change this. Her efforts helped the government, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, get rid of this unfair rule. This was a big win for coastal states.
Saving the Federal Road Safety Commission
Christy also helped keep the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) as its own organization. The FRSC helps keep roads safe in Nigeria. There were plans to close it down or combine it with the police. Christy put pressure on the government, and because of her, the FRSC remained a separate group. This also happened during General Babangida's time as leader.
Supporting Private Phone Companies
Christy also helped bring private telephone companies to Nigeria. She pushed the idea that the world was changing fast in telecommunications. She helped a company called EMIS get the first private phone license. After that, other private phone companies were able to start easily.
Her Businesses
Christy was also a successful businesswoman. She was the head of her family's group of companies. These included Soultrain Entertainment Limited and Chuduak Properties, among others.
Charity Work
Christy Essien-Igbokwe cared deeply about helping others, especially children. Her charity work began as early as 1980.
She showed her care through her songs, like "Show a Little Bit of Kindness" and "Seun Rere." The money she earned from her past albums often went to charity projects and people in need.
Christy led many charity projects across Nigeria:
- In Adamawa State, she raised money to improve a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities.
- In Rivers State, she raised funds for a children's home and a school for children with special needs.
- In Enugu State, she provided equipment for a school for the blind, deaf, and mute.
- In Plateau State, she raised money for scholarships for children.
- She also used all the money from her tenth album for her Essential Childcare Foundation.
- She provided scholarships for many students in Nigeria, especially from her home state of Akwa Ibom.
Her charity work wasn't just in Nigeria. She helped raise funds in Liberia and Ghana too. Every year on her birthday, Christy would donate furniture, food, and other supplies to various charity homes. These included the Nigerian Red Cross and homes for the elderly.
Christy was very involved in her "Essential Childcare Foundation," which started in 1992. This foundation was set up to help missing and disadvantaged children. After she passed away, the Christy Essien Igbokwe Memorial Foundation was created to continue her amazing charity work. This foundation organizes events for less privileged children and continues her tradition of visiting homes on her birthday.
Later Life and Death
Christy Essien-Igbokwe passed away after a short illness on June 30, 2011. She was 50 years old. She died at Ikeja General Hospital in Lagos.
Many important people paid tribute to her after her death. These included the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, fellow musician Onyeka Onwenu, and even the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. To remember her, Christy's granddaughter even sang a cover of "You're Welcome" from Disney's "Moana" on June 30, 2020.
Awards and Honours
Christy Essien-Igbokwe received many awards and honors throughout her life and even after her death.
International Awards
- "Silver Prize" Winner at the 6th Seoul Songs Festival, South Korea – 1983
- "Grand Prix" Winner at Neewollah Music Festival, USA – 1983
- "International Special Achievement" Award of MUSEXPO, Mexico – 1983
- Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Management by Cornerstone University & Theological Seminary, Israel – 2010
National Awards
- "Lady of Songs" by Nigerian Entertainment Writers – 1980
- "Star Performer" Award of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) – 1983
- "African Music Mother" Award – 1984
- "Adaha Onna" (Pillar of Onna LGA)
- "Akwa Ikwo Eket" (The Greatest Singer from Eket Community)
- "Golden Voice of Africa" Award by music students at Obafemi Awolowo University
- "Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)" by the Federal Government of Nigeria – 1999
Leadership Positions
Christy also held many important leadership roles:
- Matron for various student associations at universities.
- Matron for the Nigerian Youth Tourist Organization.
- Deputy Vice President of the Institute of Corporate and Business Affairs Management, Nigeria.
Posthumous Honours
Even after her death, Christy continued to be honored:
- "Entertainment Icon" by West African Women in Leadership Conference – 2011
- NOPA 2012 for her great contributions to the entertainment industry.
- On November 11, 2018, which would have been her 58th birthday, Google celebrated her life with a special doodle on their homepage.
Albums
- Freedom (1977)
- Patience (1978)
- Time Waits For No One (1978)
- One Understanding (1979)
- Give Me A Chance (1980)
- Ever Liked My Person? (1981)
- It's Time (1982)
- Taking My Time (1986)
- Hear The Call (1990)
- Mysteries of Life (1992)
