Nostalgia And Fun As Four Divas Lead Tribute To Late Christy Essien

Tuesday, September 6, 2011 will remain etched in memory as Nigerian entertainment giants recreated glamour, class and nostalgia all in memory of the departed Lady of Songs, Christy Essien-Igbokwe (MFR), at the popular Nite Shift Coliseum, Opebi, Lagos.
The Red Carpet Tribute Night hosted by actress Kate Henshaw and TV host Frank Edoho paraded a rich mix of senior actors, TV personalities and musicians. From the likes of Bob Manuel-Udokwu, Clarion Chukwurah, Bisi Olatilo, Patrick Doyle, Shina Peters, Stella Monye, to Onyeka Onwenu among others.
And a younger generation represented by Yinka Davies, Lilian Bach, Emeka Ossai, Kween, Eva, Stella Damasus, e.t.c thronged Guvno Caleb Olumese’s coliseum which had in time past played host to prominent people like Afrobeat Legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti and former Super Eagles coach, Clement Westerhof.
The tribute night was brilliant to every letter of the word. The coliseum was looking radiant. Drinks were in abundance, as well as appetizers. Event manager Edi Lawani was behind the main controls, speaking through his walkie-talkie throughout the whole time. It was smiles and cheers all the way as Ras Kinomo and Sunny Neji took turns to thrill the crowd although Stella Monye, one of the announced ‘Five Divas’ put up a cold look throughout the show. Onyeka Onwenu was spotted in the VIP corner while Stella Damasus sat at the regulars.
It was comical to see Eva d Diva lip-synch the National Anthem and a breather to see Benita Okojie save the day as Idol finalist Naomi and eventual Yeka and the MTN Project Fame winner Chidinmna sang flat when all four rendered Igbokwe’s ‘Seun re re’ number. The five divas were cut to four as Chidinma never came back on stage. Stella Monye was smooth on with her performance and Stella Damasus was graceful. But it was Yinka Davies that tore the place up with her sexy, sassy performance!
Onyeka might not have toppled the other performances but it was nice to hear her voice again as she performed alongside Kaka, Christy Essien’s son. Soon enough, almost everyone including the Igbokwe family got on stage and joined in the performance, dancing away.
Recorded tributes from colleagues were played and overall it was indeed a befitting Tribute Night to the Lady of Songs… The pictures below tell the rest of the story.