Diva Shaliqua/Legends

Diva Shaliqua was a Half-Theelin singer originally in the custody of Ingoda the Hutt. Named for the the elite group of Theelin singers, Shaliqua's parents were killed while she was still a child, but she continued to serve her master until custody over her was transferred to Jabba Desilijic Tiure, Ingoda's business rival. Jabba would take her to varied public events, such as the podraces of Mos Espa. At one of these gatherings, Shaliqua met gambler Romeo Treblanc, who was actually the owner of Coruscant's Galaxies Opera House.

Though Treblanc suffered a great financial loss at the Boonta Eve Podrace of 32 BBY, he took a great deal of interest in the half-Theelin, seeing that she had untapped singing talent. When he had recuperated his losses in the following year, he purchased Shaliqua from Jabba, and took her back to Coruscant, where he hoped she would perform as an opera singer in his theater. Shaliqua, however, did not know of Treblanc's intent, and instead decided to rob him, before escaping his custody. Keeping a low profile, she made a living singing at varying nightclubs in Coruscant's less reputable districts.

In the service of Ingoda the Hutt
Diva Shaliqua was born to a pair of slaves in the custody of Ingoda the Hutt during the Republic Classic era. One of the slaves was of the rare Theelin species, which the Hutt tended to "collect". However, he forbade fraternization between slaves. Shaliqua was named "Diva" in honor of the religious order of Theelin singers. The name was also bequeathed to her in the hopes that she would live up to it, and develop great singing talents. Ingoda discovered the child and the fact that the slaves had been fraternizing, but decided to let Diva live, should she bear the fabled Theelin operatic skills. In that case, Ingoda decided that it would be financially wise to keel Shaliqua as a singer. Ingoda, however, became indebted to his rival, Jabba Desilijic Tiure, and was forced to sell both Shaliqua and Diva Funquita to the other Hutt.

In the service of Jabba the Hutt
Jabba gave Funquita away to fellow Hutt, Gardulla, but he kept Shaliqua for his personal band. He would take her to the podraces, where, in his private box, she would meet Jabba's fellow gamblers, such as Watto, Graxol Kelvyyn, and Romeo Treblanc. Treblanc, being the owner of the Galaxies Opera House on Coruscant, took particular interest in Shaliqua. The half-Theelin took note of the fact that Treblanc's interests in her were not of the carnal type, but far more sophisticated. Unfortunately, the outlander suffered a huge financial loss during the Boonta Eve Classic of 32 BBY, where he bet on Gasgano. The Xexto was soundly beaten by young Anakin Skywalker, forcing Treblanc to return to Coruscant. He promised, however, to return a year later.

Freedom
In 31 BBY, Treblanc stayed true to his promise and purchased, and freed Shaliqua from Jabba, who did not recognize her true talent and had lost interest in the half-Theelin. Treblanc had recovered from his losses in the previous year, and hoped to cast Shaliqua in a small role for an upcoming musical to be played at Galaxies. He brought her back to Coruscant to study and perform at the Opera House, but mere hours after debarking, Shaliqua fled the Coruscanti's custody, taking her emancipation datawork and some of Treblanc's minor valuables. Adopting a stage name, she worked in Coruscant's more seedy locales, singing at nightclubs and casinos in Coruscant's mid-levels. It was a legitimate career, but likely a far cry from the success she would have enjoyed in Treblanc's custody.

Behind the scenes
The character of Diva Shaliqua first appeared in George Lucas' Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace where she briefly appeared in the "Boonta Eve Podrace" sequence. She was given a name in Episode I: The Visual Dictionary, and her backstory was elaborated on by "newlyn53100" and Nathan O'Keefe through the StarWars.com Hyperspace feature, "What's the Story?" O'Keefe elaborated upon Shaliqua's biographical details, while "newlyn53100" explored the history of the Theelin species.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace