A Heartfelt Tribute to Gigi: An Ethiopian Treasure

By LJDemission
October 3, 2024
Ejigayehu Shibabaw, known by her stage name Gigi, is a renowned Ethiopian singer born in 1974. She has performed Ethiopian music combined with a wide variety of other genres, often in collaboration with her former husband, bassist and producer Bill Laswell.

Gigi is a beloved daughter of Ethiopia, a national treasure, and her musical works will remain timeless treasures for generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunities to enjoy her music and to be immersed in her mesmerizing lyrics over the last two decades.

Several years ago, I discovered through social media that Gigi was facing health issues. Learning about her condition deeply saddened me. I wanted to express my appreciation and support through a tribute but kept postponing it due to my focus on writing about Ethiopia’s current events.

Recently, I came across a YouTube video featuring Gigi in a warm gathering with long-time friends who hadn’t seen each other for two decades. The video, posted by Ato Wondeson Kebede, showed Gigi expressing gratitude for the visit, Wondeson telling Gigi that the Ethiopian people love her, and dancing with Wondeson and another Ethiopian guy the Ethiopian cultural dance Eskista in what appears to be her living room in New York, USA. While I appreciated the glimpse into her life, I questioned the motive behind sharing this warm get-together on social media.

I wonder if Wondeson posted the video to seek attention, boost his profile, or promote his own interests, potentially profiting from Gigi’s fame and exploiting her personal life for financial gain. If so, his behavior is unacceptable and disrespectful to Gigi’s privacy.

I strongly condemn Wondeson’s actions and demand that he immediately remove the video and refrain from posting any further content without Gigi’s and her family’s consent. Gigi’s family and fans have the right to protect her legacy and privacy.

In her interview, Gigi’s sister expressed unhappiness about the video and spoke about their family’s unwavering support for Gigi. She emphasized their commitment to protecting Gigi’s legacy and privacy and called on the Ethiopian government, institutions, and community worldwide to join them in this effort. I wholeheartedly support her family’s efforts and echo their call for public awareness and support.

My tribute is a response to Gigi’s sister’s call for public support, and I hope it contributes to the collective effort to protect Gigi’s legacy and privacy. Let us all stand together in solidarity and show our love and respect for this beloved Ethiopian treasure.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my own and are not intended to defame or harm any individual. The information provided is based on publicly available sources and personal opinions. If you believe the content contains misrepresentations or exaggerations of facts, please contact me at [email protected] or @LJDemissie (X, formerly known as Twitter). I strive for accuracy and will promptly address any concerns.