Google Doodle Celebrates Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s 58th Posthumous Birthday

Christy Essien Igbokwe

Google on Sunday celebrated Nigeria’s Lady of Songs, Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe on her 58th posthumous birthday with her doodle.

A Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google’s homepages that commemorate holidays, events, achievements and people.

“Born in Akwa Ibom state on this day in 1960, Christy Essien-Igbokwe was an actress and singer known as “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs.”

“Fluent in her native language of Ibibo, Essien-Igbokwe also spoke and sang in English, Yoruba and Igbo giving her music a broad appeal across cultural and tribal lines.

“Among her many popular releases, the inspirational record “Seun Rere” became a rallying cry within Nigeria,” Google said.

Google said that she once recalled saying that her childhood was very challenging, she used to have a brother who was a soldier then and was always on transfer owing to the nature of his job.

“Essien-Igbokwe released her first record, Freedom, at age 17 and never looked back. Her 1981 album Ever Liked My Person became a smash hit. In 1987 the Akwa-Ibom artist recorded a song, “Akwa Ibom Mmi,” which became an anthem of pride for those sharing her heritage.