Iconic Ethiopian singer Gigi awarded honorary doctorate by Injibara University

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2023 (FBC) – Injibara University has conferred a honorary doctoral degree on the renowned Ethiopian singer and song writer Ejigayehu Shibabaw, popularly known as Gigi, during its graduation ceremony on Thursday.

The University attributes the bestowment of the honorary doctorate on the artist to her outstanding contribution in promoting the Ethiopian music and culture of Ethiopians as well as the Awi community where she hails from with exceptional capabilities.

Artist’s mother, Tenagne Seyoum, has received the honorary doctorate from the University on behalf of Gigi who is currently living in the United States of America.

Gigi rejuvenated the Ethiopian music industry in the early 1990s with its popularity accepted and much appreciated Amharic and Agewgna (a language spoken among the Awi community in Amhara region) songs.

While handing over the honorary doctoral degree, President of Injibara University, Gardachew Worku (PhD), said “Honoring Gigi means honoring Ethiopia,” referring to her immense contribution to the nation’s music industry.

Born in Chagni town, Amhara Region, in 1974, Gigi released dozens of songs included in four albums combining original traditional sounds with variety of international music. Gigi is also one of a few Ethiopian singers recognized globally, performing in a number of stages organized worldwide.

Gigi’s second album released in 1998 etitled ‘One Ethiopia’ brought her to the limelight, and enabled her to vault to sudden prominence, recognized and loved by many Ethiopians worldwide.

In 2001, the album was critically acclaimed and became the highlight of Gigi’s music career. The album was a fusion of Africa, Asia, jazz, and funk sounds. It is still considered a masterpiece of Ethiopian/African music.

Gigi also released Illuminated Audio, 2003 (Laswell’s remix of the 2001 album “Gigi”) Abyssinia Infinite: Zion Roots, 2003, Gold & Wax, 2006, Mesgana Ethiopia, 2010.

Gigi’s voice is in the Hollywood film Beyond Borders (2003), in which Angelina Jolie portrays an aid worker during the 1984 – 1985 famine in Ethiopia.

The strength and the message of the lyrics and the originality, as well as the cultural appropriateness of the melody, singled out Gigi as one of the all-time best musicians of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Addis Ababa University awarded honorary doctoral degrees to long serving Ethiopian artist, Debebe Eshetu and the renowned philanthropist and founder of Mekedonia Humanitarian Associaiton, Biniam on Thursday.