The Lessons of Nispey Hussle for the Eritrean Diaspora
The death of Ermias Asghedom, aka “Nipsey Hussle,” on March 31, 2019 was a painful moment for his fan-base of millions. The tragedy of his untimely death was made worse by the fact that his contributions – both as an artist and community activist – were just beginning to pick-up steam. During the first decade of his career, Nipsey had achieved prominence through a number of critically acclaimed mixtapes, marketed through his own efforts and grassroots networks. In 2018, he had emerged on the national stage with a Grammy nomination for his breakthrough album, Victory Lap. As his star rose, so did his commitment to the revitalization of his hard-scrabble neighborhood in South LA: he opened businesses, put people to work, and sponsored community programs that supported children and the disadvantaged. Nipsey’s music was increasingly tied to this socially conscious agenda, as it was laced with lessons of personal and community empowerment. Nipsey’s death at 33 was thus tragic because it extinguished the life of man that had achieved so much, but also just scratched the surface of his transformative potential.
Eritreans were also hit hard by Nipsey’s death. His father is an Eritrean and Nipsey had long-embraced this identity. He visited the country for the second time in 2018, and it was clear that this trip brought him closer to his Eritrean roots. The combination of his broad-based appeal in American culture, and his repeated recognition of his Eritrean heritage earned him the affection of many young Eritreans, particularly in the diaspora.
On Eritrea’s 28th Independence Day, it is useful reflecting on Nipsey’s life, particularly as it relates to engaged citizenship in the Eritrean diaspora. In many ways Nipsey is model – one of many potential models – of what engaged citizenship for the diaspora might look like, particularly as it relates to the social and political themes.
Engagement at Home and Abroad
One of the great challenges of diaspora life is that of reconciling two realities. The first is that of one’s adopted home, and the second is of one’s country of origin. It is difficult to invest and devote attention to one of these realities without necessarily neglecting the other. Sometimes it is just a matter of time. Sometimes it is a question of emotional energy. Either way, diasporas – and young diasporans – often face a trade-off between two identities that matter deeply to them.
Nipsey, on the other hand, provided a road-map for how this was possible. He was at once deeply engaged in issues of social justice on behalf of his South LA community, but also invested in Eritrean life. In fact, Nipsey argued that his Eritrean heritage – and the values of self-reliance and justice that emanated from this heritage – were critical in his own self-realization and social consciousness, and thus his positive action in support of his LA neighborhood. In this way, Nipsey showed us how the dual-identities of diaspora are not distinct, but linked and reinforcing in ways that benefit us and those around us.
Citizenship in a Polarized Environment
Whether Nipsey was fully aware of the current politics of the Eritrean diaspora, and the partisanship and polarization that currently afflicts it, he was able to engage in a way that appealed to young people across the political divide. His message on Eritrea was simple and unifying, as he talked up the values and traditions of the nation and its peoples, and steered clear of the divisive – although certainly important – political debates of the current day. In death, Nipsey’s broad-based appeal, above politics and partisanship, was obvious. Eritrean diaspora came together in cities around the world to put together over 50 vigils in his honor. Although it was in grief, it has been some time since we have seen the Eritrean diaspora so united behind a certain cause.
As we celebrate the 28th anniversary of Eritrean independence, then, it is important that we remember, as we have always done, the multiple generations of Eritreans that have sacrificed on behalf of the country. But Nipsey’s legacy also deserves recognition, as his life teaches us much about engaged diaspora citizenship.