(ማስታወቂያ)
It is no surprise that artists are often labeled as the "untouchables" of society. When their lives are cut short due to a tragic death, it leaves us in shock and mourning for what could have been. Today we’re discussing Ethiopian artists who met an untimely end, yet left behind timeless works for future generations to remember them by.
This blog will introduce some prominent figures in Ethiopia's art industry across various genres – all of whose impact continues long after they pass away! We honor this brave group of young African creatives fueled by larger-than-life ambition, but limited opportunity, here today - let's get into it!
Alebachew Teka was an Ethiopian comedian and television personality who lived from 1962 until January 16, 2005. His talk show, The Alebe Show, was well-known throughout Ethiopia and is still remembered and celebrated to this day. Alebachew Teka was born in the province of Wollo, in a small village called Wurgessa. After completing his elementary education at Wurgesa Junior High school, he moved to Addis Ababa to complete his high school education. While living in Addis Ababa, he managed to become one of Ethiopia’s most loved and talented comedians. He was known for his short comedic stage performance, and short comedy videos transmitted via national television. This propelled his profession and provided him the opportunity to become the host of the weekly TV talk show called “Alebe Show”. A show which was named after a shortened version of his name! Alebachew died in a car accident on Sunday January 16, 2005, while traveling from Addis Abeba to Jimma, a city located 124 kilometers to the west of the capital, to shoot a documentary for a new show. According to reports, his car crashed into a ravine around 30 kilometers from Jimma. Alebachew Teka died at the age of 44. He left behind a son, a wife, and two daughters. More than 60,000 grievers attended Alebachew's funeral at St. Joseph's Church on the outskirts of Addis Abeba after the news of his passing was received with disbelief.
Dawit Nega was a famous Tigrigna musician and songwriter born on April 11, 1988 in Mekele city. He sadly passed away on June 12 2022, at the age of 34, a few days after being admitted to a hospital in Addis Ababa. Young Dawit, who had lost both of his parents, made a living by selling cigarettes, gum, and other minor items on the streets. Around the age of 15, Dawit, who claimed to have grown up with a deep passion for music, asked to join the circus and music group "Circus Tigray" in order to pursue his musical interests and aspirations. Although the option to join the March band and play drums was presented, the request did not receive a favorable response in time. His most last single, "Ajoki Tigray," which he described as nostalgia for Tigray families that were split apart and unable to come together because of the Tigray War was released in April 21. 2021. Dawit Nega had a wife and a child.
The renowned Ethiopian musician and songwriter Dereje Dubale was born on January 18, 1973 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to his mother Bizunesh Kebede and his father Dubale Woldemichael. He attended his primary education at Tesfa Kokeb School and his secondary education at Gc Abiot Kirts School. He had worked at Biherawi Theater for 8 years starting in 1999. Dereje Dubale rose to fame with his first ever single titled “Aynen alashm”, which he released in 2000. But his most loved single according to many is “Gid yelem libe ychilal” Sadly, Dereje passed away on May 23, 2010, at the age of 37 due to a health-related issue he had, but his legacy lives on through his music and the memories of those who knew him. He was a father of three, (two sons and a daughter). He was buried at Kidist Silase church.
Elias Melka Geresu was an Ethiopian record producer and songwriter who lived from December 10, 1977 to October 4, 2019. He was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in a neighborhood called Sebategna, to his father Melka Geresu and his mother Atsede Feleke. But he was raised in Abinet, another neighborhood in Addis Ababa. Successfully producing Teddy Afro’s debut album in 2001 titled “ABUGIDA”, which is still loved by everyone, is believed to have pushed Elias to fame. Elias had produced more than 40 studio albums and many singles. He has worked with massive figures in the Ethiopian music industry and produced albums for artists like, Teddy Afro, Gossaye Tesfaye, Mikaya Behailu, Eyob Mekonnen, Zeritu Kebede, Tigist Bekele, Haile Roots, and Gete Anley. He has also written and produced music to create awareness of social issues like HIV/AIDS and traffic accidents. Melka passed away on October 4, 2019, after battling kidney issues and diabetes. The news was received with shock by every Ethiopian. Although he died at the young age of 41, Elias had achieved more than many can even dream of and his name will stay as long as Ethiopian music will.
Although he was not the first Ethiopian Reggae musician, reggae music in Ethiopia is commonly regarded as having its origins with Eyob Mekonnen Yalem. His songs were well renowned for having "love, understanding, and respect" as their central themes. Eyob was born during the start of the Ethiopian civil war, in Jijiga city on October 12, 1975. His father, Yalem Mekonnen, was an army officer and had served during the Ogaden war. Most believe this is the reason why Eyob’s songs are only about peace, and love. The best instances of his works carrying such a message are songs such as "Nekchalehu" and "Negen Layew". When he was young, his family relocated to Addis Abeba, where he attended school while continuing to be passionate about music. Eyob became a member of the Zion Band, a five-person group having a reggae beat with a particular Ethiopian style. His distinctive musical style combined popular Amharic music with reggae and Oromo music, with Ali Birra and Bob Marley serving as important influences. He released “Ende Kal”, his debut album, in 2007. “Erotalehu”, Eyob's second album, was published after his passing in 2017. Eyob was in good health before to the ischemic stroke he experienced on August 13, 2013, which was caused by atrial fibrillation. He then fell into a coma. On a page called "Let Us Pray for Eyob Mekonnen," his supporters and his promoter, Yisakal Entertainment, used Facebook to give updates on his health and solicit donations for his treatment. Eyob was transferred to Nairobi on August 17 as a result of these efforts; unfortunately, complications caused his death on August 18, 2013.
Habte Mitiku was a beloved Ethiopian comedian who sadly passed away on January 19, 2006, after an illness forced him to leave the stage mid-performance with his colleague and best friend Dereje Haile. Dereje ena Haile (Dereje and Haile) was a nickname they earned through their collaborative comedic works that were dearly loved by all Ethiopians and are still being watched on different platforms. This collaboration and friendship that lasted more than 20 years was forced to come to a sad and abrupt end that shocked every Ethiopian.
Ethiopian musician, songwriter, and civil rights advocate Hachalu Hundessa was born in 1986 in Ambo, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, to Gudatu Hora and Hundessa Bonsa. As a child, Hachalu herd cattle and sang in school clubs. He was detained in 2003 when he was 17 years old for participating in protests. He spent five years behind bars at Karchale Ambo until being freed in 2008. While he was incarcerated, Hachalu wrote the majority of the lyrics for his debut album titled “ Sanyii Mootii”, which was released in 2009. His second album, “Waa'ee Keenyaa”, was the top-selling African music CD on Amazon Music in 2013 while he was touring the United States. A week before his passing, Hachalu disclosed that he was working on his third album, “Maal Mallisaa”. The record was published in 2021 on the one-year anniversary of his passing. At the Gelan Condominiums, on the outskirts of Addis Abeba, Hachalu was shot on the evening of June 29, 2020. He passed away at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital after being brought there. His death led to massive unrest and political protest in the Oromia region and Addis Ababa, which led to the death of more than 160 people and the arrest of hundreds.
Hiwote Abebe was born in 1981, in Harar Ethiopia. When she was 18, she came to Addis Ababa in 1999, and in the same year appeared for the first time on Biherawi Theater’s stage by performing in a theater titled “Kezkaza Remet”. Starting from then she stayed in her acting career for 13 years until she sadly died in 2012. Hiwote Abebe is most remembered for her performance in the two-part romance-comedy movie “Bale Kelem Hilmoch”. Some of her other memorable works include; Bale Taxiw, FBI, and Wubetin Flega. She has also played in different other radio and television acting roles. Hiwote received her BSc degree in theatrical art from Addis Ababa University. Besides acting, she also worked at the Contact advertising agency and Hariro film production. Hiwote Abebe sadly passed away at the young age of 31 on December 14, 2012. The news of her death was shocking to everyone. She was buried on December 15, 2012, at Adama Egziarhab Church. Actress Hiwote Abebe was a mother to one daughter.
Kennedy Mnegesha was born in November 1963, in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. He was given the name Kennedy (Kenedi) because he was born a few days after the assassination of J.F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the USA. At a very young age, he was already a famous contemporary artist in Ethiopia with a number of well-accepted hits to his name. Kennedy Menegesha sadly passed away at the young age of 29, in 1992. During his brief career, he released 9 cassettes with 57 songs on them, beautifully backed by the “Roha Band” with their usual fast-paced sax and guitar lineup. His last place of residence before his tragic passing was Kazzanchis in Addis Ababa.
Madingo Afework was born on August 16, 1978, to Hagernesh Wassie, his mother, and Afework Mengistu in Azezo Town, Gondar, Ethiopia. To enroll him in his primary education, his family then relocated to Debre Tabor. Many fans loved that Madingo had the ability to replicate the melodies of many artists, especially Elias Tebabel, Muluken Melesse, Meles Edeshe, and Ephrem Tamiru, who were among the prominent singers who had an impact on him during his childhood. Madingo, then 10 years old, relocated to a nearby garrison, where the soldiers gave him the nickname "Madingo". He was persuaded to join the garrison's musical ensemble, Zema Lastas. He issued his debut album, “Ayderegim”, in 2005. Following the publication of this album, Madingo had his biggest singles, "Seyame Atahulat" and "Aman Newey Goraw." He launched his second album “Swedlat” in 2015, which received critical acclaim. Madingo passed away on September 27, 2022, following his hospitalization for an undisclosed ailment at a clinic close to his residence. He reportedly drove to the hospital and received some painkillers before passing away then and there. Madingo's funeral service took place on 29 September in Addis Ababa at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Mikaya Behailu was born in Addis Abeba on May 30, 1977. She went to Bethlehem and Abyot Kirs schools for her primary and secondary schooling, respectively. In 2004, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Addis Ababa University. Mikaya taught languages at School of Tomorrow and Addis International Schools before to entering the music industry. She has also served as a clerk at the Muger Cement Factory's Addis Ababa branch. In April 2007, she issued her debut album, “Shemametew”. In Nigeria, Mikaya received a nomination for the 2009 African Kora Music Award. She had been working on her second album in order to graduate from Addis Abeba University with a Master of Arts in documentation, linguistics, and culture. Systemic lupus, a long-term autoimmune condition, was identified as Mikaya's diagnosis in September 2013. On December 24, 2013, Mikaya passed away shortly before midnight while traveling to Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa. She was working to launch a talk show that focused on women. All twelve of the tracks on the final album, “Gize Binegudim”, were written by her. Available on iTunes and CD Baby, it was published posthumously in January 2018
Seble Tefera was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on August 24, 1976. She attended Addis Ababa University's Department of Theatrical Arts after completing her high school education at Nefas Silk Comprehensive Secondary High School. Seble was well-known for her role as "Emama Chebe" in the radio show “Tininish Tsehayoch“, which aired in Fana Broadcasting Corporate from 2009 to 2014. She was renowned for her work in comedies, particularly “Yarefede Arada” in 2014, in which she co-starred alongside Shewaferaw Desalegn. She earned recognition in 2013 for her role as the housekeeper "Tirfe" in the sitcom Betoch. Seble died in a car accident on September 12, 2015, when she and her husband were on their way to Bahir Dar to celebrate the Ethiopian New Year. Her husband claims that she was distracted by turning up the radio while driving, which resulted in the automobile accident, and that she then fell into a parked truck in the region known as Saris. After arriving at a hospital hours later, Seble had been dead. Her funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Tamrat Desta was born in Bishaan Gurraacha near Shashamane, Ethiopia in 1978. He was the second boy out of three kids, all of whom were boys. After living in Tiqur Wuha for a while, his family relocated to Shashemene and eventually to Awassa, where Tamrat finished high school. Tamrat came to Dire Dawa in 1998 to live with his guardian. It was during this time that he started singing publicly. Tamrat moved to Addis Abeba in 1999 to further his musical career. In 2004, he issued his debut album, “Anleyaym”. In 2008, Tamrat released his second album, “Kanchi Aybeltm”, to critical and commercial acclaim. Tamrat issued another album titled “Keza Sefer” in 2014. Tamrat sought treatment for tonsillitis at a neighborhood clinic in Addis Ababa on April 18, 2018. After being given a painkiller, he passed out while traveling to his house and was declared dead shortly. Several media sites conjectured shortly after Tamrat's passing that the doctor who treated him was found to be the cause of his death and that Tamrat died as the result of a medical mistake. Tamrat's funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral church in Addis Ababa on 19 April 2018. Tamrat Desta was a father of eight children.
Artist Tariku, better known by the nickname Baba, who was born in Addis Abeba in 1983, began performing at a young age and has become one of the most adored actors in the Ethiopian film business. His acting and directing jobs throughout his career were diverse. Laundry Boy, Love and Facebook, The Engineers, Kebad Mizan, Abat Hager, Martreza, Wondime Yakob, and Ye'Arada Lij are only a few of the more than 40 Amharic films in which the artist appeared. Tariku supported the efforts of the Ethiopian Eye Bank, an organization that seeks to end corneal blindness in the nation by gathering and processing donor corneas. Tariku Birhanu died on December 10, 2022, due to an undisclosed illness. His death came as a shock to many Ethiopians. He was buried at Kidist Selassie Menbere Tsebaot on 12th December 2022. He was a father to one son.
Tigist Shibabaw was born in born and raised in Chagni, a small town in northwestern Ethiopia, in 1980. She came from a large family of coffee growers who harvested their crops along the nearby river. She was one of 10 siblings. Tigist joined her older sister Gigi, who had already made a name for herself as a musician, by moving to the United States in 2000 to pursue a career in music. At the age of twenty-eight, Tigist passed away in Bahar Dar, Ethiopia, where she is said to have journeyed on a pilgrimage soon after she finished recording with Bole2Harlem, in January 2008. Fans were saddened to learn of her loss when they heard the news; however, details on the circumstances behind her death, including the precise date, were never made public. She was laid to rest at Chagni, the place where she was born, among family members.
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