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Tilahun Gessesse passed away

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

News sources in Addis Ababa are reporting that legendary Ethiopian singer {www:Tilahun Gessesse} has passed away at midnight last night.

Tilahun, 69, had been receiving medical treatment in the U.S. for several months and returned to Ethiopia a few days ago to celebrate Easter (Fasika) with family and friends.

He was admitted to a hospital after complaining about heart problem. On Sunday, the VOA had planned to hold an interview with Tilahun, but the interview had to be canceled due to his deteriorating condition.

The following is a video of one of Tilahun’s popular songs:

Brief biography of Tilahun Gessesse

Tilahun Gessesse is a legendary Ethiopian singer whose singing career spans 5 dacades. He was born on September 29, 1940, in Addis Ababa and died on April 19, 2009.

Gessesse was born to Woizero Gete Gurmu, who was Oromo, and Ato Gessesse Negusse, who was Amhara. When he was fourteen years old, he was taken by his grandfather to Waliso where he began attending Ras Gobena Elementary School.

As time went by, his interest in music became increasingly clear, although his grandfather urged him to concentrate on his academic studies. The Ras Gobena School Principal Mr. Shedad (who was from Sudan), encouraged Gessesse’s interest in music and urged him to go to Sudan to pursue his music career. Although Gessesse did not go to Sudan, he took Mr. Shedad’s advice very seriously. When Woizro Negatwa Kelkai, Ato Eyoel Yohanes and others artists from the Hager Fikir Theatre came to his school to perform, Gessesse took the opportunity to discuss his interest in music with Ato Eyoel. He was told to go to Addis Ababa if he wanted to pursue a career in the field.

Gessesse left school to go to Addis Ababa, a journey he began on foot without his grandfather’s consent. When his grandfather realized that Tilahun was no longer in Woliso, he informed Gessesse’s great-aunt in Tulu Bolo. After Gessesse traveled fifteen kilometers on foot, he was caught in Tulu Bolo and stayed overnight with his great-aunt Woizero Temene Bantu. The next day, he was forced to return back to his grandfather in Woliso. Since his interest in music lay deep in his heart, Gessesse chose not to stay at his grandfather’s house in Woliso. After staying only one night at his grandfather’s house, he again began his journey to Addis Ababa, this time hiding himself in the back of a loaded truck.

In Addis Ababa, Gessesse was first hired by the Hager Fikir Association, which is now known as Hager Fikir Theater. After a few years at the Hager Fikir Theater, he joined the Imperial Bodyguard Band where he became a leading star singer. During his time with the band, Gessesse ran afoul of the government after the attempted coup d’état of December 1960 by the Imperial Bodyguard. He was arrested and put in prison for a time.

Gessesse moved to the National Theater where his success continued. He was so famous that he appeared three times in front of Emperor Haile Selassie I. During a visit, the Emperor advised him not to abuse his talent.

The majority of Gessesse’s recordings are in Amharic, though he has recorded a number of songs in Oromo.

He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University, in appreciation of his contribution to Ethiopian music. He has also received an award for his lifetime achievements from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust.

Sources: Wikipedia

127 thoughts on “Tilahun Gessesse passed away”

  1. I was shocked when I heard Tilahun’s death. I am sorry to hear about that. He is our beloved brother. Tilahun never dies. We Ethiopians will not forget him; because of his good works will be remembered by all people of Ethiopia. I know how it feels when a family member suddenly dies, but all human beings are mortal. It is the law of nature. God will give strength and peace to all of his family and friends. God, take Tilahun’s soul and allow him to rest in peace in Heaven.

    I miss you; it is hard to say good bye

  9. i am really really sad. i don’t know how i can believe tilahun has passed away. i love him so much. God bless ur soul!!!! amen!!!! Tilahun u are always the best forever and ever!

  10. God Bless his soul! Big loss for Ethiopians. Tilahun was every body’s favorite. The most handsome and best singer of our time. His legend will live forever.

  16. I wish to express my immense desolation for artist Tilahun Gessese sudden death.

    My gratitude goes to his soul and his family.

    The best and complete Ethiopian singer ever. As many people already stated, his contribution for our country, his love for Ethiopian people, his work and life cannot be expressed with simple words.

    He represented a legendary generation of Ethiopian vocal music expression.

    Even tough death is almosta common event for everyone of us, Tilahun’s lost bring all Ethiopians once again anchored to their good memories, express their respect and commemoration for great artists like him.

    Tilahun Gessesse R.I.P.
    God bless your soul

    We will miss you.
    your fan forever
    Biniam

  19. I couldn’t believe this. I am very sad hear the death of ethiopian music legend tilahun gesesse. May god bless his soul & be with him to rest in peace. We love u, We miss u…

  20. I couldn’t believe this. I’m very sad to hear the death of Ethiopian music legend tilahun gesesse. May god bless his soul and be with him to rest in peace. We love u, We miss u.

  21. We miss you Tilahun.You were a great artist.You will live in your admirers heart for ever.You played a great role in Ethiopians musics.You contribute your own share in the image building of our country.You did your best.May god rest your soul beside Abraham’s and Yeshak’s soul.

  25. I am really sad while hearing the death of the legendary musician Tilahun Gessesse. He was truly our source of happiness. In his music he has touched all sides of life, nothing left. Can our country get the same talented person after then…? I don’t think! Let God place his Soul in peace.

  26. Telahun é morto,phisicamente si,ma la sua arte ha saputo trasmetere a tutta la popolazione Etiope’l’armonia di convivere amarsi,uniti e forti,e siamo fieri
    di essere Etiopici e fratelli di Telahun,con un paese
    grande,generoso poplazione,meraviglioso clima,che bello vedere i suoi alti e bassi dalla depressione di Dalul alla
    montagna di Ras Dashen.Telahun era questo,anche adesso lo è.
    Telahun is our brother,our teacher,our mozart artist,our
    all in so many ways.I am not able to describe all,He is all for us Ethiopians and Africans as well as the world.
    God bless you Telahun
    Semere Negasi Milan Italy

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