Ethiopian music stars died at age 78
Here are 1 famous musicians from Ethiopia died at 78:
Mikael Imru
Mikael Imru (November 21, 1929 Addis Ababa-October 26, 2008 Addis Ababa) was an Ethiopian personality.
He was a writer, teacher, and diplomat who served as Ethiopia's ambassador to the United States, Egypt, and France. Imru was also a prominent figure in Ethiopia's literary scene and was involved in the creation of the country's first literary magazine. He studied in the United States, earning a degree in political science from Howard University and a master's degree in international law and diplomacy from American University. In addition to his diplomatic and literary achievements, Imru was a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. He was imprisoned multiple times for his political views and activism during Ethiopia's military regime under Mengistu Haile Mariam. Imru's legacy lives on through his writings and his advocacy for justice and human rights in Ethiopia.
Mikael Imru was born into a prominent family in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was the son of Ras Imru Haile Selassie, a highly respected politician and member of Emperor Haile Selassie's inner circle. Imru's education began at the prestigious Teferi Mekonnen School in Addis Ababa, where he was recognized as an exceptional student. After completing his studies in Ethiopia, Imru traveled to the United States to further his education.
In the United States, Imru was exposed to new ideas and perspectives that would inform his views on literature, politics, and human rights. He became involved in the African Students Association and other student organizations, where he forged friendships that would last a lifetime. Imru also met his future wife, Ruth Swann, while studying at Howard University.
After completing his studies in the United States, Imru returned to Ethiopia and began his career as a teacher and writer. He taught at Haile Selassie I University (now Addis Ababa University) and helped to establish the Ethiopian Literary Society, which promoted the development of Ethiopia's literary culture. Imru was also a prolific writer, publishing several books of poetry and prose in Amharic and English.
Imru's diplomatic career began in 1963, when he was appointed as Ethiopia's ambassador to the United States. He went on to serve as ambassador to Egypt and France, where he earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator and diplomat. Imru was also instrumental in securing Ethiopia's admission to the United Nations in 1945.
In the 1970s, Imru became increasingly involved in political activism and advocacy for human rights in Ethiopia. He was a vocal critic of the military regime that had come to power under Mengistu Haile Mariam and was imprisoned several times for his views. Imru continued to write and speak out for freedom and democracy in Ethiopia, even after he was forced into exile in 1979. He returned to Ethiopia in 1991, following the collapse of the Mengistu regime.
Mikael Imru is remembered as a man of integrity, courage, and vision. His contributions to Ethiopia's literary scene and his diplomatic achievements have earned him a place in the country's history. Imru's legacy as a champion of human rights and democracy continues to inspire Ethiopians today.
Imru's literary career was marked by his contributions to the development of Ethiopia's literary culture. He helped found the Ethiopian Literary Society, the country's first literary magazine, and authored several books of poetry and prose in Amharic and English. His poetic works were praised for their combination of traditional Ethiopian forms and modernist techniques.
Imru had a strong commitment to the promotion of human rights and democracy in Ethiopia. He was one of the founding members of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council and was a vocal opponent of the Mengistu regime's human rights abuses. Imprisoned several times for his political activism, Imru used his writing to critique the regime and advocate for change.
Despite spending time in exile, Imru continued to fight for the cause of democracy in Ethiopia. He was a member of the Ethiopian National Transition Council, which was tasked with creating a framework for democratic governance in the country. He also continued writing and teaching, maintaining his commitment to both literature and politics until his death in 2008.
Imru's life and work continue to inspire Ethiopians, particularly young writers and activists. The Mikael Imru Foundation, established in 2011, aims to support emerging Ethiopian writers and promote the country's literary heritage. Imru's enduring legacy as a writer, diplomat, and advocate for human rights and democracy in Ethiopia remains an important part of the country's cultural and political identity.
Imru's commitment to education was also a significant aspect of his life. He believed that education was essential to the development and progress of Ethiopia and advocated for greater access to education for all Ethiopians. Imru served as a professor at Addis Ababa University and Howard University, where he taught courses on international law and diplomacy.
In addition to his diplomatic and literary accomplishments, Imru was also a skilled linguist. He was fluent in several languages, including Amharic, English, French, and Italian. This linguistic ability helped him in his diplomatic career, where he was able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Imru's contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Haile Selassie I Prize Trust Award for Literature in 1966 and the French Legion of Honor in 1988. His death in 2008 was mourned by people from all walks of life in Ethiopia and around the world.
Imru's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and education. His legacy continues to remind us of the power of literature and the importance of standing up for what is right.
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