The co-owner of popular Atlanta nightclub Republic Lounge was shot dead outside his establishment early Saturday morning.
Michael Gidewon, who owns the West Midtown Salon with his brother, was identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office as the man found dead shortly before 7 a.m. Saturday, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
Atlanta police said Zone 5 officers responded to the club at 990 Brady Ave. NW around 6:55 a.m. with reports of one person shot. At the scene, officers found Gidewon, 50, unconscious and with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The department’s Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting. As of Saturday, there were no suspects in custody and the motive was unknown.
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Michael Gidewon attends the Gold Room on October 20, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Prince Williams/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
When the community found out about the loss, the mourners visited the well-known nightclub to deposit bouquets of flowers.
Records on file at the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office showed that Gidewon had worked as a nightlife businessman for the past 35 years, Fox 5 reported.
He and his younger brother, Alex, came to the United States after escaping violence in their native East African country of Eritrea. The brothers started out as valets to learn the ins and outs of the nightlife business and eventually gained enough knowledge to own their clubs, which were located a block from each other.
A Google Earth image shows the popular Republic Lounge nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Google Earth)
Alex, who now runs AG Entertainment, was the owner and manager of the Compound nightclub, which has been out of business for a few years.
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Through Gidewon’s business connections, he became a celebrity in his own right and was often seen mingling with established artists such as TI, Young Jeezy, Usher, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Baby, and Ludacris. Gidewon also hosted hundreds of celebrity nights and club appearances, increasing the club’s popularity.
Michael Gidewon, rapper Young Jeezy and Alex Gidewon attend the 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner with Jeezy and the Street Dreams Foundation at 103 West on July 24, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Prince Williams/WireImage via Getty Images)
The entertainment executive was also involved in the community and could be found participating in various charitable activities, including Thanksgiving dinners.
Gidewon leaves behind his wife, Selam, and four children who are reportedly in elementary school.
Selam Gidewon and Michael Gidewon attend the Gold Room on October 20, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Prince Williams/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
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The Republic Lounge and AG Entertainment have yet to comment publicly on Gidewon’s death.
