Ethiopian music stars died before age 30
Here are 7 famous musicians from Ethiopia died before 30:
Princess Tsehai
Princess Tsehai (October 13, 1919 Addis Ababa-August 17, 1942 Nekemte) was an Ethiopian personality.
She was the daughter of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw, and was known for her active involvement in the Ethiopian resistance against the Italian invasion during World War II. Princess Tsehai was also a supporter of women's education and founded the Princess Tsehai Memorial Hospital, which still operates today. Despite her short life, she is remembered as a symbol of strength and courage in Ethiopian history.
Princess Tsehai was born into Ethiopian royalty and received a top-notch education, studying subjects like literature and history. She developed a strong interest in flying and became the first Ethiopian woman to earn a pilot's license. She participated in air shows and even performed aerial acrobatics in front of her father, the emperor, and other dignitaries.
During Ethiopia's fight against Italian occupation, Princess Tsehai played a key role in organizing and supporting the resistance effort. She helped coordinate supplies and communications between various resistance groups and was a frequent visitor to battlefronts. Her bravery and commitment to the cause earned her the respect and admiration of many Ethiopians.
In addition to her leadership in the resistance movement, Princess Tsehai was also passionate about improving healthcare services in Ethiopia. After losing a close friend to childbirth complications, she founded the Princess Tsehai Memorial Hospital to provide better maternal and child health services. It remains a leading hospital in the capital city of Addis Ababa.
Princess Tsehai's legacy has been honored in various ways, including the Princess Tsehai Leadership Award, which is given to outstanding Ethiopian female leaders. Her life serves as an inspiration to women and men alike and is remembered as a remarkable period in Ethiopian history.
Despite being born into royal privilege, Princess Tsehai was known for her down-to-earth and approachable demeanor. She often visited schools and hospitals throughout Ethiopia to connect with ordinary Ethiopians and learn more about their needs. Her kindness and compassion made her a beloved figure among the people.Princess Tsehai also had a love of music and was an accomplished pianist. She frequently performed classical pieces and even composed her own music. Her talent and artistry were a testament to her well-rounded education and varied interests.
Tragically, Princess Tsehai's life was cut short at the age of 22 due to a car accident while she was traveling to visit her husband. Her sudden death was a great loss to Ethiopia, but her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Read more about Princess Tsehai on Wikipedia »
Wolete Israel Seyoum
Wolete Israel Seyoum (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1988 Addis Ababa) was an Ethiopian personality. She had one child, Princess Ijigayehu Amha Selassie.
Wolete Israel Seyoum was born to a prominent family in Ethiopia and was the granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie. She was known for her philanthropic work and dedication to promoting education and health care in Ethiopia. Seyoum was also a prominent member of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and worked tirelessly to provide aid and relief to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts. She was renowned for her beauty and elegance, which earned her the title "The Princess with the Mona Lisa Smile." Seyoum passed away on April 5, 1988, on her 73rd birthday, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and service to her country.
Seyoum was educated in Ethiopia, France, and Switzerland. She earned a degree in nursing from St. Thomas Hospital in London, UK, and went on to serve as an army nurse during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. After the war, she continued to work as a nurse, serving in hospitals and clinics in Ethiopia and abroad. Seyoum was also involved in promoting the empowerment of women in Ethiopia and served as the president of the Ethiopian Women's National Association. She founded several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Ethiopian women and children. One of her most notable achievements was the establishment of the Empress Menen School for Girls in Addis Ababa, which aimed to provide free education to disadvantaged girls. Seyoum's contributions to the society earned her several awards and honors, including the Order of the Queen of Sheba and the Florence Nightingale Medal.
Throughout her life, Wolete Israel Seyoum remained committed to the betterment of her country and its people. She played an active role in social and political issues and was a member of the Ethiopian Parliament for ten years. Seyoum served as the chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children and Youth Affairs and played a significant role in the development and implementation of policies aimed at improving the status of women and children in Ethiopia.
In addition to her philanthropic and political work, Seyoum was also a patron of the arts. She was a supporter of traditional Ethiopian music and dance and encouraged young artists to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
Seyoum's life and accomplishments continue to inspire many in Ethiopia and beyond. Her dedication to service and advocacy for the marginalized communities have made her a revered figure in Ethiopian history. Today, her legacy lives on through the organizations and initiatives she founded, which continue to support and uplift the people of Ethiopia.
Read more about Wolete Israel Seyoum on Wikipedia »
Mengistu Lemma
Mengistu Lemma (April 5, 2015 Harar-April 5, 1988) was an Ethiopian writer and playwright.
He was one of the pioneers of modern Ethiopian literature and is widely regarded as one of the most influential Ethiopian writers of the 20th century. Mengistu Lemma started his career as a teacher and later worked for the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. He wrote many plays and novels that tackled important social and political issues such as gender inequality, corruption, and the struggle for independence. His most famous work, the play "Oda Oak Oracle," is considered a landmark in Ethiopian theater and has been performed numerous times both in Ethiopia and abroad. Despite facing censorship and government persecution in his lifetime, Mengistu Lemma's writing continues to inspire and influence generations of Ethiopian writers and artists.
Throughout his career, Mengistu Lemma was committed to promoting Ethiopia's cultural heritage and its potential for social progress. He founded the Ethiopian National Theater and was a member of the Ethiopian Writers Association. He also translated numerous works of literature from different languages into Amharic, Ethiopia's official language. In addition to his contributions to literature, Mengistu Lemma was a prominent figure in Ethiopian politics. He was a founding member of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party and played a significant role in the struggle against the military dictatorship that ruled Ethiopia during the 1970s and 1980s. Tragically, he was executed in 1988, along with other leaders of the opposition movement. Despite his untimely death, Mengistu Lemma's legacy remains a source of inspiration for the people of Ethiopia and beyond.
Mengistu Lemma was born in Harar, Ethiopia on April 5, 1928. He grew up in a family that valued education, and he went on to study teaching at the Menelik II Secondary School in Addis Ababa. After graduating, he worked as a teacher for several years before joining the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. During his time there, he became involved in the Ethiopian Writers Association and began writing plays and novels.
Mengistu Lemma's plays and novels were marked by their focus on social and political issues facing Ethiopia at the time. He wrote about gender inequality, corruption, and the struggle for independence, using his writing to critique the government and push for social change. His plays, in particular, were known for their innovative use of language and their incorporation of traditional Ethiopian performance styles.
Despite facing censorship and persecution from the Ethiopian government, Mengistu Lemma remained committed to his writing and his activism. He played a key role in the founding of the Ethiopian National Theater and worked tirelessly to promote Ethiopia's cultural heritage. He was also a founding member of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party and an outspoken critic of the military dictatorship that ruled Ethiopia at the time.
Mengistu Lemma's life was tragically cut short when he was executed by the government in 1988. However, his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Ethiopian writers and activists. His work is celebrated for its commitment to social justice, its use of traditional Ethiopian performance styles, and its contribution to the development of modern Ethiopian literature.
Read more about Mengistu Lemma on Wikipedia »
Dejene Berhanu
Dejene Berhanu (December 12, 1980 Addis Alem, Shewa-August 30, 2010) was an Ethiopian personality.
Dejene Berhanu was a renowned marathon runner who won several races including the 2006 Dublin marathon and the 2007 Marrakesh marathon. He was also a two-time winner of the Macau International Marathon, in 2007 and 2008. Berhanu's personal best time in the marathon was 2:10:31, which he set at the 2008 Dubai Marathon, where he finished fourth.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Berhanu was actively involved in social work, using his celebrity status to raise awareness about issues affecting his community. He was particularly vocal about the need for clean drinking water in Ethiopia, and founded the Dejene Berhanu Foundation to address this issue.
Tragically, Berhanu's life was cut short at the age of 29 when he drowned while swimming in Lake Bishoftu in Ethiopia. His death was widely mourned both in Ethiopia and in the international athletic community, with tributes pouring in from fellow runners and fans around the world.
Berhanu was born in Addis Alem, a small town in the Shewa region of Ethiopia. He began his career as a long-distance runner at a young age, but his first major success came in 2006 when he won the Dublin marathon. The following year, he won the Marrakesh marathon, solidifying his reputation as a world-class runner.
Despite his success, Berhanu remained committed to his community, using his platform to bring attention to pressing social issues. In addition to his work on clean water access, he was also an advocate for children's rights and education in Ethiopia.
Following his untimely death, the Dejene Berhanu Foundation continued to operate, honoring Berhanu's commitment to his community. The organization has since expanded its work beyond clean water access, providing a variety of social services and support programs to communities in need.
Berhanu's legacy as an athlete and humanitarian has continued to inspire people around the world. In his home country of Ethiopia, he is remembered as a hero and a symbol of hope for future generations.
Berhanu's passion for running began at a young age, and he often cited Ethiopian running legends Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele as his inspirations. He trained extensively in Ethiopia's high-altitude regions, which are known for producing world-class runners. Berhanu's dedication and hard work paid off when he became one of Ethiopia's most successful marathon runners of his time.
Despite facing many challenges, including poverty and a lack of resources, Berhanu never lost sight of his goals. He believed that education and hard work were the keys to success, and he worked diligently to achieve both. Throughout his career, he remained humble and focused, always striving to be the best athlete and person he could be.
Berhanu's death was a great loss to the Ethiopian and international athletic communities, but his memory lives on through his accomplishments as a runner and his advocacy work. The Dejene Berhanu Foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Ethiopians, and Berhanu's dedication to his community serves as an inspiration to others around the world.
Read more about Dejene Berhanu on Wikipedia »
Meskerem Legesse
Meskerem Legesse (September 28, 1986 Ethiopia-April 5, 2015 Hamden) was an Ethiopian personality.
She was a renowned Ethiopian long-distance runner who specialized in marathon races. Legesse won several international marathons, including the 2013 Ottawa Marathon and the 2014 Dubai Marathon. She also represented Ethiopia in the 2012 Summer Olympics marathon race. Legesse's achievements in the sport made her a celebrated athlete in her home country and a role model for young aspiring runners. Tragically, Legesse passed away on April 5, 2015, at the age of 28, while giving birth to twins in Hamden, Connecticut. Her untimely death shook the global running community, and she is remembered as a talented athlete and a beloved person who contributed immensely to Ethiopian sports.
Before becoming a professional athlete, Meskerem Legesse began her career as a soccer player but later transitioned to track and field. She was discovered by a sports agent while participating in a local race in Ethiopia, and her talent was soon recognized by coaches and fans alike. Legesse's marathon career began in 2012 when she made her debut at the NYC Marathon, where she finished in an impressive third place.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Legesse was known for her philanthropic work. She was a strong advocate for education and often used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of education, especially for girls. She also set up a foundation to support young athletes and underprivileged children in Ethiopia.
Legesse's legacy lives on in the hearts of her fans and fellow athletes. In honor of her memory, a foundation was set up in her name to support aspiring athletes in Ethiopia. Her achievements in sports and dedication to giving back continue to inspire many.
At the time of her passing, Meskerem Legesse was married to Nsburg Kebede, a former marathon runner, and they had a son together. Legesse's passing was mourned by many in the international running community, and multiple tributes were held in her honor. In Ethiopia, Legesse's funeral was attended by thousands of people, including government officials and fellow athletes. Her death sparked a conversation about the lack of proper healthcare and resources for maternal health in Ethiopia and other developing nations. The Meskerem Legesse Foundation, established in her memory, aims to address these issues by providing maternal health services and education to women and children in need. In addition to the foundation, a park in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was also named in honor of Meskerem Legesse to commemorate her achievements and dedication to sports and philanthropy.
Read more about Meskerem Legesse on Wikipedia »
Tigist Shibabaw
Tigist Shibabaw (April 5, 1980 Chagni-January 1, 2008) was an Ethiopian singer.
Genres she performed: Hip hop music.
Read more about Tigist Shibabaw on Wikipedia »
Kiros Alemayehu
Kiros Alemayehu (April 5, 2015 Tigray Province-April 5, 1994 Addis Ababa) was an Ethiopian personality.
He was a renowned singer, songwriter, and composer who became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Alemayehu was known for bringing together traditional Ethiopian music with contemporary sounds, creating a unique and innovative style. Some of his most famous songs include "Ere Gedu," "Yene Nesh Wey," and "Mimbelish." Alemayehu was also an active participant in the Ethiopian Revolution, using his music to inspire and raise awareness about social and political issues. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his career and is still celebrated in Ethiopia as a cultural icon.
In addition to his successful music career and activism, Kiros Alemayehu also worked as a journalist and cultural ambassador. He served as the editor-in-chief of the magazine "Ethiopian Listener" and traveled extensively throughout Ethiopia and other countries to promote Ethiopian culture and music. Alemayehu faced political persecution and was briefly imprisoned following the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie's regime in 1974. Despite this, he continued to create music and inspire others with his words and actions. Alemayehu's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be popular in Ethiopia and around the world. He is remembered as one of Ethiopia's most beloved musicians and an important figure in the country's political and cultural history.
Kiros Alemayehu's music has had a lasting impact on Ethiopian culture and has influenced many other artists in the country. His songs often had messages of love, unity, and political resistance, which resonated with many Ethiopians during times of political turmoil. Alemayehu was also a skilled guitarist and his unique sound has been attributed to his use of the pentatonic scale, a common scale in traditional Ethiopian music. Outside of Ethiopia, his music has gained popularity in countries such as the United States and Germany. Alemayehu passed away on his 79th birthday in 1994 and his funeral was attended by thousands of Ethiopians who came to pay their respects to the music legend. Despite his passing, his songs continue to be played on Ethiopian radio stations and his contributions to Ethiopian music and culture remain an important part of the country's history.
Read more about Kiros Alemayehu on Wikipedia »