(ማስታወቂያ)
Tewodros Kassahun, a name that has become synonymous with Ethiopian music, has risen from humble beginnings to achieve global stardom. His captivating melodies and thought-provoking lyrics have touched the hearts of millions, making him one of the most influential musicians in Africa today.
In this article, we will delve into Teddy Afro's remarkable journey, exploring the key moments that shaped his career and propelled him to international acclaim.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on July 14, 1976 to a singer and songwriter Kassahun Germamo and dancer Tilaye Arage, Teddy Afro discovered his love for music at a young age.
Growing up in a musically inclined family he was exposed to a diverse range of sounds and rhythms, which ignited his passion for creating music. Teddy Afro stated during a biography interview that he used to watch music on the popular television program Hibre Trit (ሕብረ-ትርኢት) at night and would try to sing the songs in the morning. This demonstrates the ardent love he has always had for both music and the arts. With a natural talent for singing and songwriting, Teddy Afro began composing his own songs, expressing his thoughts and emotions through the power of music.
Just like many successful Ethiopian singers, Teddy Afro used to perform at different night clubs in Addis Ababa before he rose to fame. He also used to sing as a background singer on stage performances of prominent Ethiopian singers. The image below shows Teddy Afro singing as a background singer for Aster Aweke in 2000 G.C on Meskel Square for Ethiopian New Year.
This is just a few months before he released his debut album, Abugida (አቡጊዳ). An album which brough him his massive breakthrough. This album was filled with love songs like Leman Lemash, Abugida, Hewan Endewaza and Birabiro. The album deeply resonated with the Ethiopian youth at the time and is still being listened by every music loving Ethiopian. When asked why the album was titled ABUGIDA, Teddy Afro states the reason by saying; “I released ABUGIDA album when I was in my 20s, it is the first album with which I sang my true emotions, showed my true self and introduced myself to the people, that is why it is titled ABUGIDA.” Note: In the Amharic Alphabet ABUGIDA is a jumbled set of the alphabet letters (also called pseudo-alphabet). They are used to test the reading ability of beginners after they have finished the original Alphabet. The first four letters of this pseudo-alphabet are A(አ), BU(ቡ), GI(ጊ), and DA(ዳ). The music tells about a first love who teaches him the first lessons (ABUGIDA) of love.
Just one year following the release of his debut album, Teddy Afro released his second album titled after his name, “Teddy”. Just like the first album this album also received massive acceptance from the music loving community, and this album too was mostly about love. The most loved songs from this album include Tizibt, Gud Serachign, Lebo, Wa Zendro, and Shegnehush.
Two years later, he released a single titled Tarik Tesera, a song that brough every Ethiopian tears of joy accompanied by great surge of patriotism. This song still moves every Ethiopian. It was a single released within an hour after Ethiopian athletes Kenenisa Bekele and Sileshi Sihen won the gold and silver medal, respectively in the 10000 meters, and the other legendary Ethiopian athlete Haile Gebreselassie finished 5th. But what made the song so special among the Ethiopian public is what happened during the race. In 2005 Teddy Afro released his third album titled Yasteseryal, an album which put him in a lot of controversy and disagreement with the then government.
In 2005, Yasteseryal was released. One of the most infamous and influential albums of its time.
Teddy's lyrics and the album's release were timed to the heightened political unrest in Ethiopia leading up to the general election there in 2005 G.C (1997E.C). Four of his songs—including "Yasteseryal"—were outlawed by the government from airplay in Ethiopian media. Although the government claims it censored only four of his songs, none of his works were ever played on any national media until this restriction was put to rest after the governing party was thrown out of power in April 2018. Nevertheless, within a few months of its release, the album had sold over a million copies. Threatened by his popularity and massive acceptance by the Ethiopian youth, the government tried everything to silence Teddy Afro, and this included arresting him for four years. Teddy was sentenced to six years in prison on December 6, 2006, for allegedly committing a hit-and-run during the 2005 general election in Ethiopia. He was charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence of alcohol) after supposedly ramming a homeless man who was 40 years old. He was fined 18000 Ethiopian birr and given a six-year prison term by the government. Four years later, Teddy Afro received a release in August 2009 for good behavior. Despite facing controversy and censorship from the Ethiopian government, Teddy Afro's popularity continued to soar. His third album, "Yasteseryal," cemented his status as a musical icon, breaking records and winning hearts both nationally and internationally. The album's title track, a stirring tribute to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, became an anthem for hope and resilience.
Although Teddy Afro released four singles in 2006 and one more single in 2007 followed by another one in 2009, he didn’t publish any album for eight years following his third album “Yasteseryal”. In 2006 he released • "Menta Wedije" • "Yregal" • "Lamie Bora" and • "Wede Hagere Bet" In 2007, a single titled “Gizzie Lekulu” was released by Teddy Afro for the Ethiopian Millenium. Gizzie Lekulu (ጊዜ ለኩሉ) is geez phrase, which translates to “There is time for everything”. It is a dearly loved Ethiopian New Years song filled with lyric of love and hope. In 2009 he released another single titled “Afralehu”. Only 6 songs from such a dearly beloved musician in 8 years is too little, and in those dry times, the Ethiopian music loving community was patient and waited for his next album unwearyingly, because they were sure that he will deliver something great. And on April 14, 2012 the long wait was over and Teddy Afro released his fourth album titled “Tikur Sew”, an album that to this day is considered the best by many.
The title track of this album ጥቁር ሰው (Tikur Sew - meaning “Black man”) is a song about the heroics of the many heroines and heroes that participated at the Battle of Adwa, a battle where Ethiopia defended its independence and sovereignty by defeating the invading colonial force of Italy on 1 March 1896. The song refers to the patriotic and visionary ruler of Ethiopia of the time, Emperor Menelik, as Tikur Sew. This song is so powerfully moving that it is just hard to listen without getting emotional. And to add fuel to this fire, Teddy Afro released the incredibly made music clip which tries to capture the acts of the battle.
This song makes people teary with emotions of patriotism and pride, and not just the first time they listened to it. Every song in this 11-track album was accepted massively but some of the most loved include Des Yemil Sikay, Tikur Sew (Minilik), Sle Fikir, and Tsebaye Senay. Just 5 years and 2 weeks after the release of his fourth album Tikur Sew, Teddy Afro would release his fifth album titled “Ethiopia” on May 2, 2017.
Teddy's fifth album, Ethiopia was officially released on 2 May 2017, reached the top of the Billboard World Albums chart in that month, at which time more than 600,000 units had been sold. Teddy Afro's music transcended boundaries, captivating audiences far beyond Ethiopia. His album "Ethiopia" gained widespread acclaim, earning him a dedicated fan base worldwide.
With its fusion of traditional Ethiopian sounds and modern influences, the album showcased Teddy Afro's versatility as an artist and his ability to bridge cultures through music. As usual every single one of his songs in this album too were accepted massively by everyone. But ማር እስከ ጧፍ (Mar Eske Tuaf) is the song that earned him the biggest admiration. Mar Eske Tuaf is a song based on the story of Ethiopia’s legendary Author Hadis Alemayehu’s love fiction book titled ፍቅር እስከ መቃብር (Fikir Eske Mekabir – meaning “love to the grave”). The book is one of Ethiopia’s all-time best literary works admired by everyone and Teddy Afro brought it to reality through tremendously remarkable writing of the lyric and video clip of the song, which was directed by his wife Ameleset Muchie, who also plays the main female character of the book (Seble) in the music clip.
Teddy's earlier work was solely based on reggae fusion, but over time, he began to incorporate Ethiopian music, using traditional vibrato vocals. On February 22, 2020, Teddy Afro performed the “Adwa! Wede Fikir Guzo” concert in Addis Abeba Meskel Square in front of a record-breaking crowd.
Teddy released "Demo Be Abay" on August 3, 2020, a song honoring the Abbay River, also known as the Blue Nile River in English. The attitude of Egypt, or "Egypt's shamelessness," in regard to its claims over the waters of the Nile is criticized in the song. Egypt had asserted that the threat to its water supply posed by the filling of the reservoir for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. On 2 November 2021, he released "Armash", which reflects the ongoing state in Ethiopia especially the Tigray War and calls for unity of Ethiopians. On 21 June 2022, a song titled "Na'at" was released following a massacre of 600 Amharas in Gimbi district in West Wollega Zone of Oromia Region. "Na'at" was critical for Abiy Ahmed government over ongoing civil conflict in the country.
Teddy Afro resides in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.
Since September 27, 2012, he has been wed to Ethiopian actress, model, and producer Amleset Muchie. They have four kids together.
Teddy Afro's success has not only brought him fame and fortune but has also given him a platform to make a positive impact on society. Through his philanthropic endeavors, he has supported various educational and healthcare initiatives in Ethiopia, uplifting the lives of those in need. Teddy Afro's commitment to his roots and his dedication to improving the lives of others have solidified his legacy as more than just a musician.
As Teddy Afro's journey continues, he remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians in Ethiopia and beyond. His ability to use music as a tool for change and his unwavering dedication to his craft have set him apart as a true artist. With each new release, Teddy Afro continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Teddy Afro's journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to the power of music and the impact that one individual can have on society. Through his heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, he has touched the lives of millions, transcending borders and bridging cultures. As Teddy Afro's star continues to rise, his influence as an artist and philanthropist will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Please if you enjoy reading this article, share it with with your friends! That would mean a lot to us. . .Thank you!
