When we listen to Gigi’s powerful anthem “Adwa,” we hear a song of pride, honor, and triumph—a celebration of Ethiopian history, freedom, and the spirit of the Ethiopian people. But what many don’t know is the fascinating backstory behind the creation of this iconic piece of music. How many of us realize that “Adwa” was composed and performed in less than two hours, in the middle of the night, just before an important film premiere? The story behind this track is a testament to the spontaneous and passionate spirit of Ethiopian music and the artistry of Gigi herself.

The tale begins with Thomas Gobena, a renowned bass guitarist and Gigi’s former manager and friend. Thomas had been hired by Professor Haile Gerima, the acclaimed Ethiopian filmmaker, to perform at the premiere of his film Professor Haile Gerima Adwa in the United States. The event was planned as a classical music performance, fitting for a film about Ethiopian history and culture.

However, as the night approached, Professor Haile Gerima had a last-minute change of heart. He wanted to introduce something more special to the audience. According to Thomas, the Professor approached him and said, “Come on, find a singer to open the film. Only an Ethiopian woman.” With little time to spare before the premiere, Thomas was tasked with finding the perfect singer to bring something uniquely Ethiopian to the stage.

The clock was ticking, and Thomas wasn’t sure where to turn. He went back home and began rehearsing with his band members, trying to figure out how they could manage to pull off a powerful performance the next day. But as the night wore on and it was getting late—around 2:30 AM—an unexpected solution appeared in the form of Gigi, an Ethiopian singer who had been working late herself.

At that time, Gigi had just finished her two shifts and was about to head home when Thomas had an epiphany: “Why don’t you do it?” he asked her. Gigi, always up for a challenge, agreed.

But the magic didn’t stop there. Gigi, inspired by the urgency and excitement of the situation, immediately set to work composing a brand-new song. She sat down with Thomas and said, “I have written a new song for you. Let’s study it.”

The composition came together quickly, with Gigi surprising everyone around her. They had no idea what they were about to witness. Thomas, though, was apprehensive. He warned her, “We’re afraid of the outcome. If it doesn’t work, we might ruin everything. Let’s just go with ‘Mama Ethiopia’ instead.” Gigi, however, was resolute. She agreed to sing the new song.

The next morning, Thomas and his bandmates were getting ready to go on stage when something unexpected happened. As the event kicked off, the excitement in the room was palpable. In front of them were a prestigious group of guests, including intellectuals, dignitaries, and people from all walks of life, including some of the most influential figures in the music industry.

With a signal from Thomas, the performance began. But just as the music was about to start, Thomas motioned to the band to stop. The room fell silent as Gigi began singing “Adwa”—a song that had been composed just hours earlier.

The audience, though they didn’t understand the language, was moved by the depth of emotion in Gigi’s voice. In a voice that echoed through the venue, Gigi sang without music, her voice alone carrying the weight of history and pride. The crowd was transfixed. Thomas, initially shocked, had never heard anything like it.

As Gigi sang the powerful lyrics, the white intellectuals sitting with Professor Haile Gerima began to cry. Their emotional response spoke to the universal power of music to transcend language, culture, and time.

When Gigi finished the song, the room was completely silent. The audience, in awe, sat still for a moment before bursting into applause. Professor Haile Gerima, visibly moved, approached Gigi. “I want to meet this girl,” he said, knowing that he had just witnessed something extraordinary.

As the night progressed, the crowd surrounded Gigi. Among those in attendance were music producers, a Grammy-winning artist, and even the wife of Bob Marley’s son. They were all eager to meet her and learn more about the incredible talent they had just seen.

What followed was the beginning of a new chapter in Gigi’s career. Her performance of “Adwa” not only left a lasting impression on those present but also introduced her to influential figures in the music industry, leading to collaborations and new opportunities. The song was later released as part of an album, further cementing her legacy as one of Ethiopia’s most beloved artists.

The song “Adwa” itself is a powerful tribute to the Battle of Adwa, a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history where Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian invaders in 1896. The lyrics are a call to honor the heroes of Adwa, a reminder of the struggles endured for freedom, and a declaration of pride and victory for the Ethiopian people.

The lyrics speak of the blood shed by those who fought for Ethiopia’s freedom, the honor of the land, and the legacy of those who gave their lives for the future generations. Gigi’s performance captured the essence of this history, giving voice to the triumph of Ethiopia’s independence.

Some of the lyrics include:

“How many people have fallen in the land of freedom,Speak Adwa, speak and testify,Speak Adwa, speak my country;How I stand before you today,I live with pride, honor, joy, love,In victory, day by day,We have endured all the suffering and blood.”

The song paints a vivid picture of Ethiopia’s past struggles and celebrates its enduring strength and resilience.

Gigi’s “Adwa” is more than just a song. It’s a testament to her artistry, the spirit of the Ethiopian people, and the power of music to unite and inspire. Born out of a last-minute request and composed in the early hours of the morning, “Adwa” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, reminding us of the importance of honoring our past while looking to the future with pride.

The story of how Gigi created “Adwa” is a reminder that some of the most powerful moments in art and history happen spontaneously, when passion and inspiration collide.