(ማስታወቂያ)
Ethiopia has a rich cultural legacy and a long history of generating exceptional individuals in a variety of professions. Many Ethiopian celebrities have achieved international acclaim for their contributions to their respective fields, ranging from sports to music, art, and politics.
We have produced a list of 23 internationally famous Ethiopian superstars who have made a significant effect on the world stage, demonstrating the diversity and talent of this East African nation. (They are sorted in alphabetical order.)
Abel Tesfaye, best known as The Weeknd, is an Ethiopian-born Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Toronto, Canada, on February 16, 1990, to Ethiopian immigrant parents. The Weeknd rose to prominence with his mixtapes, which he self-released in 2011. His mixtapes, which included "House of Balloons," "Thursday," and "Echoes of Silence," received critical acclaim and helped him build a sizable social media following. The Weeknd signed with Republic Records in 2012, and his debut album, "Kiss Land," was released in 2013. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and earned favourable reviews from critics. The Weeknd's next album, "Beauty Behind the Madness," catapulted him to international recognition. The album, which was released in 2015 and contained big singles such as "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills," received two Grammy Awards in 2016. The Weeknd has since released a number of successful albums, including "Starboy" in 2016 and "After Hours" in 2020. He has received multiple prizes for his music, including three Grammys, and has worked with a number of well-known singers, including Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande. Aside from music, The Weeknd has dabbled in acting, appearing in the films "Uncut Gems" and "American Dad!" He is noted for his unusual vocal style as well as his ability to incorporate aspects of R&B, pop, and electronic music into his work.
Afewerk Tekle was an Ethiopian artist who was born on October 22, 1932 and passed away on April 10, 2012. He was known for his unique style of modernist painting and sculpture, which blended traditional Ethiopian motifs and symbols with contemporary artistic techniques. Afewerk began his artistic career in the 1950s and quickly became recognized as one of Ethiopia's leading artists. His works were widely exhibited both in Ethiopia and internationally, and he was known for his ability to capture the beauty and complexity of Ethiopian culture in his art. In addition to his work as an artist, Afewerk was also a social activist and humanitarian, and he used his platform to promote peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and beyond. He was involved in efforts to promote education and cultural preservation, and he played a key role in the founding of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University. Today, Afewerk Tekle is remembered as one of Ethiopia's most important artists and cultural figures, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists.
Aida Muluneh is an internationally renowned Ethiopian photographer and visual artist whose work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. She was born in Ethiopia in 1974, but spent much of her childhood in Cyprus, Greece, the UK, and Yemen before settling in Canada in 1985. She moved to the United States to attend university. Aida’s work explores themes of identity, culture, and the human experience. She often uses vibrant colors and bold compositions to create striking and thought-provoking images. Aida is the founder and director of the Addis Foto Fest, the first international photography festival in Ethiopia, which aims to promote photography as an art form and to provide a platform for emerging photographers from Africa and around the world. Aida’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and collections, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the 2007 European Union Prize, African Photography Encounters, hosted in Bamako, Mali. In addition to her photography, Aida is also a mentor and educator and has taught photography workshops in Ethiopia, South Africa, and the United States. She is known for her commitment to promoting African photography and for her efforts to support young African photographers. Aida Muluneh is the founder of DESTA (Developing and Educating Societies Through the Arts), which is an organization that seeks to develop opportunities in the global community for African artists throughout the diaspora.
Amleset Muchie is an Ethiopian model, actress, and filmmaker who was born on April 5, 1987. She has been married to Ethiopian singer Teddy Afro, also included in this list, since 2012. Amleset was born on April 5, 1987, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She attended the New York Film Academy and Unity University in Addis Ababa, where she studied filmmaking and journalism. She won the Miss University beauty contest in 2004, representing Ethiopia. In 2006, she also won the Miss World Ethiopia contest. Amleset is also a film director, authoring and producing the films Sile Fikir, Adoption, and Green Ethiopia. She is the Ethiopian representative for Etete Dairy Products. She has also been vocal about Ethiopia's environmental problems. Amleset married Ethiopian singer Teddy Afro, who is also included in this list, at Addis Ababa's Holy Trinity Cathedral on September 27, 2012. They are the parents of four children.
Amsale Aberra was a renowned Ethiopian-American fashion designer who created elegant and timeless bridal gowns and evening wear for clients around the world. She was born in Ethiopia in 1954 and moved to the United States in the 1970s to study commercial art at Green Mountain College when she was 19. Amsale was obliged to stay in the United States and support herself during her college studies due to political unrest in her native Ethiopia. Amsale began designing and sewing her own outfits when financial resources were limited. This was when she seriously considered a career in fashion design for the first time. She admits that she never imagined herself as a professional fashion designer. Amsale founded her eponymous fashion label, Amsale, in 1985, with a focus on creating simple, elegant, and sophisticated designs for modern brides. Her signature style was clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite craftsmanship. Her designs quickly gained popularity among brides and celebrities alike, and she became known as one of the most influential bridal designers of her time. Amsale's gowns have been on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The View, in addition to Grey's Anatomy. Amsale designed wedding gowns for films like as American Wedding, 27 Dresses, When in Rome, and The Hangover. Amsale dresses have been shown on television and in films, and celebrities have been known to wear them. Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Selma Blair, Salma Hayek, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Heather Graham, Lisa Kudrow, Katherine Heigl, Kim Basinger, Heidi Klum, and many others have all worn Aberra. Amsale also designed Hilaria Baldwin's wedding gown for her marriage to actor Alec Baldwin in June 2012. She was named to Ebony magazine's "Power 150" list of the 150 most powerful African Americans twice. In addition to her bridal collections, Aberra also created a line of evening wear under the label Amsale Evening. Her designs were known for their understated elegance and timeless appeal. Amsale Abera passed away on April 1, 2018, due to uterine cancer at the age of 64, but her legacy continues through her designs and the impact she had on the bridal fashion industry. Today, the Amsale brand is still going strong and continues to be a leading name in bridal fashion.
Aster Aweke is a renowned Ethiopian singer who has been performing for over 30 years. She was born on December 31, 1961, in Gondar, Ethiopia, and began her music career in the 1970s. Aster's music fuses traditional Ethiopian styles with contemporary sounds, creating a unique and innovative sound that has gained popularity around the world. She has released numerous albums and has toured extensively throughout the world, bringing Ethiopian music to a global audience. Aster is known for her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences through her music. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Kora All Africa Music Award in 2002. In addition to her music career, Aster is also a philanthropist and has been involved in several charitable organizations. She is known for her support of education and women's rights in Ethiopia and has used her platform to raise awareness about these important issues. Aster is considered one of the most influential and iconic women as well as musicians in Ethiopia, and her music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Derartu Tulu is a retired Ethiopian long-distance runner best known for becoming the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Derartu began her running career in the mid-1980s and quickly established herself as a strong long-distance runner. At just 17 years old, she won her first major international race in 1989 and went on to win several more races over the next few years. In addition to her Olympic gold medal, Derartu also won two World Championship gold medals in the 10,000 meters, in 1993 and 1995. She was known for her strong finishing and her ability to perform well in hot and humid conditions. After retiring from competitive running in 2005, Derartu remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young runners. Derartu Tulu has also been the president of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) since November 14, 2018. She founded the Derartu Tulu Foundation to support girls' education and women's empowerment in Ethiopia. Derartu Tulu was named to the BBC's 100 Women program in 2017. She is a highly "influential and one of the most sought-after women in Ethiopia
Ejigayehu Shibabaw, commonly known as Gigi, is an Ethiopian singer and songwriter. She was born on June 21, 1974, in Chagni, Ethiopia. Gigi began her music career in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for her unique style, which blends traditional Ethiopian music with modern influences. She has released several albums over the years, including "Gigi" (1998), "One Ethiopia" (2000), and "Gold and Wax" (2006). Gigi's music has been praised for its powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics, which often address issues such as poverty, inequality, and political oppression. She has won several awards for her music, including a BBC Radio 3 World Music Award in 2003. In addition to her music career, Gigi has been involved in various humanitarian and social causes in Ethiopia, including efforts to promote women's rights and combat HIV/AIDS. She has also collaborated with other musicians from around the world, including the American jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and the Brazilian singer-songwriter Caetano Veloso.
Haile Gebrselassie, born on April 18, 1973, is a retired Ethiopian long-distance runner who is considered to be one of the greatest distance runners of all time. During his career, Haile set 27 world records and won two Olympic gold medals in the 10,000 meters. He also won four World Championship gold medals and eight World Cross Country Championship titles. Haile was known for his incredible endurance and his ability to maintain a fast pace for long distances. He set his first world record in 1993 when he ran the 5,000 meters in 12:56.96. After retiring from competitive running in 2015, Haile became involved in various business ventures and philanthropic activities. He is also a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations and has been active in promoting peace and development in Ethiopia and other African countries.
Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, born on June 13, 1982. He is widely considered one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time, having won numerous Olympic and World Championship medals throughout his career. Kenenisa began his running career in the early 2000s and quickly established himself as a dominant force in long-distance running. He won his first Olympic gold medal in 2004 in Athens, Greece, in the 10,000 meters, and went on to win multiple gold medals at the World Championships in the years that followed. In addition to his success on the track, Kenenisa has also set multiple world records in various long-distance events, including the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters. Despite facing several injuries and setbacks throughout his career, Kenenisa continued to compete at the highest level and inspire a new generation of Ethiopian runners. He finished third in the Great North Run half marathon in 1:01:01 in September 2022. The following month, Kenenisa ran the 2022 London Marathon, coming fifth in 2:05:53 to set a masters world record in the age 40 category.
Liya Kebede is a model, actress, and philanthropist of Ethiopian origin who was born on March 1, 1978 in Addis Ababa. She is well-known for her work as a model for a number of high-profile fashion labels, as well as her advocacy work in Ethiopia for maternity and child health. Liya began her modeling career in the late 1990s and quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most in-demand models in the fashion industry. She has appeared on the covers of numerous magazines and has walked the runway for some of the world's top designers. In addition to her modeling work, Liya is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in several films and television shows. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, and in 2005 she founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, which is dedicated to improving maternal and child health in Ethiopia and around the world. Liya has received numerous awards and accolades for both her modeling work and her philanthropic efforts. She has been named a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador and has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Marcus Samuelsson is an Ethiopian-Swedish chef and restaurateur who was born on January 25, 1971, in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden. He is known for his innovative and multicultural approach to cooking, which blends Swedish and African culinary traditions with flavors and techniques from around the world. Marcus began his culinary career in the early 1990s, working in several high-end restaurants in Switzerland and France before moving to New York City to work at Aquavit, a renowned Scandinavian restaurant. In 2010, he opened his own restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem, which has become a popular destination for foodies from around the world. In addition to his work as a chef and restaurateur, Marcus is also a best-selling author and has published several cookbooks and memoirs. He has also been a judge on several popular cooking competition shows, including "Chopped" and "Top Chef Masters." Marcus has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including several James Beard Foundation Awards and a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is also a dedicated philanthropist and has worked to promote healthy eating and food education in underserved communities around the world.
Meklit Hadero is an Ethiopian-American singer, songwriter, and composer, born on March 18, 1983. She is known for her unique blend of Ethio-jazz, folk, and pop music, which has been praised by critics and fans alike. Meklit was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States with her family as a child. She began her musical career in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she became a prominent figure in the local music scene. In 2010, Meklit released her debut album, "On a Day Like This," which received critical acclaim and helped establish her as a rising star in the world music community. She has since released several more albums, including "We Are Alive" and "When the People Move, the Music Moves Too." In addition to her work as a musician, Meklit is also a cultural activist and has been involved in various social justice and community-building initiatives. She is the co-founder of the Nile Project, a musical collective that brings together artists from countries along the Nile River to promote cross-cultural collaboration and environmental awareness. Meklit's music and activism have earned her numerous accolades and honors, including a TED Fellowship and a nomination for the prestigious German World Music Award.
Mulatu Astatke is an Ethiopian musician and composer, born on December 19, 1943. He is considered the father of Ethio-jazz, a unique blend of traditional Ethiopian music and jazz. Mulatu began his musical career in the 1960s, studying music in London and Boston. He was particularly interested in jazz and Latin music, and he began incorporating these influences into his compositions. In the 1970s, Mulatu returned to Ethiopia and formed the Ethio-jazz band, which gained popularity both in Ethiopia and abroad. His music was a unique blend of Ethiopian rhythms and melodies with Western jazz and funk elements. Mulatu's music has been featured in several films, including the soundtrack for the Jim Jarmusch film "Broken Flowers" in 2005. He has also collaborated with several international musicians, including Duke Ellington and Randy Weston. In addition to his music career, Mulatu has also worked as an educator and advocate for Ethiopian music. He founded the Ethiopian National Theatre and Music School in the 1990s and has been instrumental in preserving traditional Ethiopian music while also promoting its modernization and evolution.
Rophnan (full name Rophnan Nuri Muzeyn) is an Ethiopian musician, DJ, and producer who was born on November 8, 1990. He is known for his unique blend of Ethiopian music with electronic dance music (EDM) and has become one of the leading figures in the Ethiopian music scene. Rophnan began his music career as a DJ in Addis Ababa, where he quickly gained a following for his innovative mixes of Ethiopian music with EDM. He later began producing his own music, incorporating Ethiopian rhythms and melodies with modern electronic beats. Rophnan's music has gained popularity both in Ethiopia and abroad, and he has performed at several international music festivals. Rophnan was named one of the continent's top influencers in July 2019 when he was named to Forbes Africa's 30 under 30 list in the Creative Category. Rophnan is the list's first Ethiopian musician to appear. Rophnan's "Phans" packed stadiums across the country during the first half of 2019. The first show of the tour surpassed Ghion's attendance record, with large crowds exceeding the stadium capacity, causing disruption and police brutality. Rophnan announced his contract signing with Universal Records in June 2022, and the release of his second album, Sidist VI, on July 11, 2022. Rophnan continues to push the boundaries of Ethiopian music and inspire a new generation of musicians and fans.
Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian-Irish actress, born on January 7, 1982, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is best known for her roles in films such as "Loving" and "Preacher," as well as in the television series "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." Ruth was raised in Limerick, Ireland, and began her acting career in the early 2000s. She appeared in several stage productions before making her film debut in the Irish film "Capital Letters" in 2004. In 2016, Ruth gained widespread critical acclaim for her role in the film "Loving," which tells the story of an interracial couple fighting for their right to marry in the United States in the 1960s. Her performance earned her several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Ruth has also been praised for her work in the television series "Preacher," in which she plays the role of Tulip O'Hare. She has also appeared in several other films, including "World War Z" and "Ad Astra." In addition to her acting career, Ruth is also a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice causes. She has been involved in several campaigns to raise awareness about issues such as domestic violence and the refugee crisis.
Mekuria was born in Addis Abeba. She was schooled there and at Axum before moving to the United States in 1967 to study political science and journalism at Macalester College. Salem received her MA in education technology and media production from San Francisco State University in 1978. She later worked at the WGBH TV station in Boston, first as a secretary and then as a producer for the Nova series. Salem is the Luella LaMer Professor of Women's Studies in the Art Department at Wellesley College. Throughout her career, Salem has created films and video installations that challenge conventional notions of narrative and representation. Her work often incorporates archival footage and personal narratives to explore the complex histories and experiences of African diasporic communities. Salem's films and installations have been shown in museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In addition to her artistic career, Salem has also been involved in education and activism. She has taught film and video production at several universities and has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of underrepresented voices in the film industry.
Samuel Tefera is an Ethiopian middle-distance runner, born on October 23, 1999. He is best known for his success in the 1500 meters event, having won the gold medal at the 2018 World Indoor Championships. Samuel began his running career in his early teens and quickly showed promise as a middle-distance runner. He won several races in Ethiopia before making his international debut at the 2017 World Junior Championships, where he won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters. In 2018, Samuel set a world indoor record in the 1500 meters with a time of 3:31.04, breaking the previous record held by Hicham El Guerrouj. The following year, Samuel won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England, with a time of 3:58.19. He became the first Ethiopian to win a gold medal in the 1500 meters at a World Championships event. Despite facing some injuries and setbacks in recent years, Samuel continues to compete at a high level and is considered one of the rising stars of Ethiopian middle-distance running.
Teddy Afro, whose full name is Tewodros Kassahun, is an Ethiopian singer-songwriter, born on July 14, 1976. He is one of the most popular musicians in Ethiopia and has gained a large following both in Ethiopia and in the Ethiopian diaspora. Teddy Afro's music is a blend of traditional Ethiopian music with modern pop and hip-hop elements. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics, which often address issues such as poverty, political oppression, and the need for unity and reconciliation. Teddy Afro has released several albums throughout his career, including "Abugida" in 2001, "Yastesereyal" in 2005, and "Ethiopia" in 2017. His music has been well-received both in Ethiopia and abroad, and he has won several awards for his work. In addition to his music career, Teddy Afro is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved in several charitable projects in Ethiopia, including building schools and supporting orphanages. Despite facing some controversy over his political views, Teddy Afro remains a beloved figure in Ethiopian music and culture, and his music continues to inspire and unite people across the country and beyond. Teddy lives in Addis Ababa. He has been married to Ethiopian actress, model, and producer Amleset Muchie since 27 September 2012.
Tirunesh Dibaba is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, born on June 1, 1985. She is one of the most successful female long-distance runners of all time, having won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals throughout her career. Tirunesh began her running career in the early 2000s and quickly established herself as a dominant force in long-distance running. She won her first Olympic gold medal in 2008 in Beijing, China, in the 10,000 meters, and went on to win multiple gold medals at the World Championships in the years that followed. In addition to her success on the track, Tirunesh has also set multiple world records in various long-distance events, including the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters. Despite facing several injuries and setbacks throughout her career, Tirunesh continued to compete at the highest level and inspire a new generation of Ethiopian runners. Tirunesh received an honorary doctorate from Addis Ababa University and has a hospital named after her on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.
Yared Zeleke is an Ethiopian film director and screenwriter, born in 1978. He is best known for his debut feature film, "Lamb", which was the first Ethiopian film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. Yared grew up in Addis Ababa and developed an interest in filmmaking at a young age. He studied film at Addis Ababa University and later attended film school in France. "Lamb", which Yared wrote and directed, tells the story of a young Ethiopian boy who is sent to live with relatives in the countryside after his mother's death. The film received critical acclaim for its beautiful cinematography and sensitive portrayal of Ethiopian culture and traditions. Since the success of "Lamb", Yared has continued to work on various film projects and has become a leading figure in Ethiopia's emerging film industry. He has also been involved in efforts to promote film education and support young filmmakers in Ethiopia.
Yohannes Gebregeorgis is an Ethiopian-American educator and social entrepreneur who is best known for his work in promoting literacy and education for children in Ethiopia and other African countries. After immigrating to the United States in the 1970s, Yohannes worked as an educator and librarian for many years. In the late 1990s, he founded the nonprofit organization "Ethiopia Reads" with the goal of increasing access to books and literacy programs for children in his home country. Under Yohannes' leadership, "Ethiopia Reads" has grown to become one of the largest literacy organizations in Ethiopia, with over 90 libraries and literacy centers established throughout the country. The organization also provides training and resources to teachers and librarians and has developed innovative programs to encourage children to read and pursue their education. In recognition of his work, Yohannes has received numerous awards and honors, including the Children's Africana Book Award and the Global Citizen Award from the UN Association of the USA. He continues to be a passionate advocate for literacy and education, and his work has had a profound impact on the lives of countless children in Ethiopia and beyond.
Zeresenay Alemseged is an Ethiopian paleoanthropologist who is best known for his discovery of the fossilized remains of Selam, a three-year-old hominin child, in the Dikika region of Ethiopia in 2000. Born in 1969, Zeresenay was fascinated by fossils and ancient history from a young age. After earning his undergraduate degree in geology from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, he went on to earn his PhD in paleoanthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2000, while leading an excavation in the Dikika region of Ethiopia, Zeresenay discovered the fossilized remains of a three-year-old hominin child, which he named Selam. The discovery was significant because it provided new insights into the evolution of bipedalism and the development of the human brain. Since then, Zeresenay has continued to be a leading figure in the field of paleoanthropology, conducting research and leading expeditions throughout Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. He has also been involved in efforts to promote education and scientific research in Ethiopia and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field. Overall, Zeresenay Alemseged's work has helped shed light on the origins of humanity and our evolutionary history, and his discoveries continue to inspire new research and insights into the story of human evolution.
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