Global tech giant, Google recently celebrated the late Nigerian music legend, Christy Essien-Igbokwe on her posthumous 58th birthday, on November 11, with a doodle.
Many years may have passed but the impact of Christy Essien-Igbokwe's life and music lives on. Born in Akwa Ibom state in 1960, she was an actress and singer popularly known as “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs.”
She was fluent in her native language, Ibibio, but she also sang effortlessly well in Yoruba and Igbo, giving her music a broad cultural acceptance across the nation. Among her many hits was 'Seun Rere' which became a widely accepted national anthem in many Nigerian homes.
According to Google, in one of her interview, the singer revealed she was orphaned at an early age and grew up with a brother who was always on transfer due to the nature of his job as a soldier. She revealed that the hardship she faced growing up, pushed her to discover her singing talent.
Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google’s homepages that commemorates holidays, events, achievements and people. Source: Google
“I didn’t know I could sing until I found myself doing so. I was like an abandoned child, my condition made me discover myself,”
A talented Christy started her career singing in clubs before she landed an appearance on a televised talent show, which led to a role on the popular TV show ‘The New Masquerade’.
She released her first record, Freedom, at the young age 17 and that was the beginning of many hits to come. Her 1981 album Ever Liked My Person became an instant smash hit. In the year 1987 shew released the song, Akwa Ibom Mmi, which became an anthem of pride for people of heritage.
Google honours Nigerian music legend Christy Essien Igbokwe on her posthumous 58th birthday
Christy Essien-Igbokwe Source: Zumi
Her fame as one of Nigeria's celebrated singers, landed her roles in two Hollywood movies, Flesh & Blood and Scars of Womanhood. The movies addressed the abuse of women and children.
Among many other things, she helped establish the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria in 1981, with renowned artistes such as King Sunny Adé and Sonny Okosun. In the year 1996, she became the organization’s first female president.
Up until her death on June 30, 2011, Christy Essien-Igbokwe was a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
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