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Christy Essien-Igbokwe: Nigeria’s Lady of Songs and Humanitarian Icon

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The image shows Christy Essien-Igbokwe, a legendary Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress, and humanitarian widely celebrated as the “Lady of Songs.” She was one of the most influential voices in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, known for her timeless hit “Seun Rere” and her ability to sing fluently in Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, English, and Ibibio, her native language.

Early Life and Background

Christy Uduak Essien was born on November 11, 1960, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She lost her mother at the age of twelve, a tragedy that inspired many of her songs about love, compassion, and the struggles of life. Her musical talent became evident at an early age, and by her teenage years, she had already begun performing on television shows.

Music Career and Achievements

Christy released her debut album, Freedom, in 1977, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey that spanned over three decades. She went on to release several successful albums, including Patience, Ever Liked My Person?, and Taking My Time. Her music addressed social issues such as unity, love, peace, and child welfare, earning her admiration across Nigeria and beyond.

Her most famous song, “Seun Rere,” remains an enduring anthem of moral instruction and family values. Known for her soothing voice and passionate delivery, Christy was among the first Nigerian artists to blend indigenous rhythms with modern pop, giving birth to a unique Afro-pop sound that transcended generations.

Acting and Cultural Influence

Beyond her musical career, Christy Essien-Igbokwe was a talented actress. She starred in the classic Nigerian sitcom “The New Masquerade,” where she gained national fame for her role as “Akpenor.” She also appeared in early Nollywood films that tackled social issues, including child abuse and women’s rights, using her platform to advocate for positive change.

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Leadership and Humanitarian Work

Christy Essien-Igbokwe made history as the first female president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), where she championed the rights and welfare of artists. She was a founding member of PMAN, playing a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s music industry into a structured and respected profession.

Her humanitarian spirit was equally remarkable. She founded the Essential Child Care Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged and vulnerable children in Nigeria. Her commitment to social causes reflected her belief that artists have a duty to use their influence for the betterment of society.

Personal Life and Death

Christy was married to Edwin Igbokwe, a respected engineer and businessman, and they had four children. She was a devoted wife and mother who balanced her family life with her artistic and humanitarian commitments.

She passed away on June 30, 2011, at the age of 50, after a brief illness. Her death marked the end of an era, and tributes poured in from across Africa, celebrating her as a national treasure who used her voice and talent to uplift humanity.

Legacy

Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s legacy continues to live on through her music, advocacy, and the countless artists she inspired. Her contributions to Nigerian culture earned her numerous awards and national recognition, including honors from the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria and several humanitarian organizations.

Her music remains a beacon of cultural pride and social consciousness, while her life story continues to inspire young artists to combine artistry with purpose.

Sources:

The Guardian Nigeria: “Christy Essien-Igbokwe: Remembering the Lady of Songs” (2016)

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Vanguard Nigeria: “Ten Years After: The Legacy of Christy Essien-Igbokwe Lives On” (2021)

PMAN Official Records: “Past Presidents and Founding Members”

BBC Pidgin: “Who Be Christy Essien-Igbokwe – Nigeria Lady of Songs” (2019)

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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12 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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16 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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16 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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