A few weeks ago I learned of the death of Kibibi Dillon. My friend called me while I was at Starbuck's and told me that while on her comedy tour, Kibibi had died in a car accident.
I wanted to write about it but couldn't bring myself to do it till now.
I first met Kibibi backstage at Ensemble Studio Theatre where we were performing with the kids of the 52nd Street Project. On our FIRST meeting, Kibibi was teaching someone to rap and I hung around them. She flashed me a huge smile and gave me a hug. According to her business card, hugs were her specialty.
On another night we found ourselves backstage, in the dressing room sharing funny sex tips. She very emphatically and clearly gave us all advice that left one guy's mouth open and my girlfriend and I taking notes.
On stage she was that rare quality that makes a performer always interesting, even when standing still. Kibibi had more talent and personality in her eyelash than a lot of actors do in their whole lifetime. With her shock of a huge afro she was like a human exclamation point both in appearance and personality.
To say that she radiated love and was a really special person sounds trite but it's true. When you were near Kibibi it felt like you were basking in the warm sunshine. Her pure talent on and off stage, her energy, her wit and especially her hugs will be sorely missed.
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