How Christy Essien died @ 50

Posted by admin Headlines, Women Politics Friday, July 1st, 2011

Barely two weeks after the nation woke up to the news of the death of prominent artiste, Twin Seven-Seven, The Lady of songs and one of Nigeria’s most prominent musicians, Christy Essien Igbokwe is dead. She died in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.

She passed on to eternity yesterday morning after a brief illness, her husband of more than thirty-one years, 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 favourite evergreen songs ‘Seun Rere’ was ill for only three days.

Her thirteen-year-old son Samuel who also confirmed news of his mothers’ death said she had premonitions of her death.

“My mum had prophesied earlier in the year that she would die and today, her prophesy has come to pass.”

‘It’s all over for The New Masquerade’

Chief Zebrudaya speaks on Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s death

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 casts of the satirical NTA series where she acted the very engaging character, Apeno and wife to loquacious character, Jegede Sokoya.

Her short role in that popular sitcom that was rated the most popular television drama in the 70s and 80s’ helped put her in the limelight.

Reacting to her death, 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 Mgbojikwe alias Acting Big Man. We missed her on the set. Since she left the production, we have not been able to get somebody to 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 has gone blind. Giringori is based in Umuahia and Ovuleria has relocated to London. It’s a pity, I’m confused.” Zebrubdaya lamented.

Christie was a nice colleague

Cyracious Okochi

She was our professional colleague back in the days of the now rested TV drama, “The Masquerade’

With Chief Zebrudaya Okorigwe Nwogbo Alia 4.30, as the lead character, Christie was a good woman, and she related well with all the cast and crew of that production. Now that she is no more, I’m afraid of the unknown. I’m short of words…

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