Tilahun Gessesse

Tilahun Gessesse was a famous singer.

He was from the land of Ethiopia. People called him "The Voice."

He had a very strong singing voice. He sang many songs in Amharic. He also sang in Oromo.

He used his music to help others. He raised money for people in need. This helped many people during hard times.

Many people loved his music. He won awards for his great skill. He was a star in his country.

His songs are still remembered today. He was a very special artist.

Tilahun Gessesse was a famous singer from Ethiopia.

He was one of the most popular artists of the 20th century. People called him "The Voice." He had a strong tenor voice. This is a high, clear singing voice.

Tilahun loved music from a young age. He even traveled to the big city of Addis Ababa to find a career. He worked with the Hager Fikir Theatre. Later, he became a star with the Imperial Bodyguard Band. He also sang at the National Theater.

He sang many songs in Amharic. He also sang in Oromo. His music helped people in many ways. During hard times in the 1970s and 1980s, he raised money for those in need. This showed how much he cared for his country.

Many people honored his talent. He won a lifetime achievement award. He also earned a doctorate degree from Addis Ababa University. Tilahun died in 2009. About one million people came to his funeral in Addis Ababa. His music is still a big part of Ethiopia today.

Tilahun Gessesse was a legendary singer from Ethiopia.

He was one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. People often called him "The Voice" because of his beautiful tenor voice. A tenor voice is a high and clear singing style. During the 1960s, Ethiopia experienced a "Golden Age" of music. Tilahun became a leading star during this special time. His music left a lasting legacy for all Ethiopian artists. He was loved by his whole nation for his talent and his heart.

Tilahun's journey to stardom was very determined. He was born on September 27, 1940, in a place called Waliso. As a young boy, he loved music more than his school studies. At age 13, he left home without his family's permission. He wanted to reach the big city of Addis Ababa. First, he tried to walk the long way. He walked fifteen kilometers before being caught in Tulu Bolo. Later, he tried a different way by hiding in a loaded truck. He finally made it to the city to start his career.

Once in Addis Ababa, Tilahun worked with several famous groups. He first joined the Hager Fikir Association, which is now the Hager Fikir Theatre. Later, he became a star with the Imperial Bodyguard Band. He also performed at the National Theater. Tilahun sang mostly in Amharic, but he also sang in Oromo. He released many famous songs and records. His debut single, "Yehagere Shita," came out in 1970. He also worked with the musician Mulatu Astatke on the song "Tiz Alegn Yetintu."

Throughout his life, Tilahun used his fame to help others. During the famines of the 1970s and 1980s, his recordings helped raise large sums of money for aid. This showed his deep care for the people of Ethiopia. Because of his hard work, he received many honors. Addis Ababa University gave him an honorary doctorate degree. He also won a lifetime achievement award from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust. Even when he faced health problems, he continued to record music. He even made new versions of his old songs with artists like Abegasu Kibrework.

Tilahun passed away on April 19, 2009, due to diabetes. He had just returned to Ethiopia from the United States. His death was a very sad moment for the world. About one million people gathered in Meskel Square in Addis Ababa to say goodbye. Many government leaders and famous entertainers attended his state funeral. A special mass was also held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Even today, his music is remembered by fans everywhere. His unfinished project, "Kome Limerkish," was even released as an album in 2021.

Tilahun Gessesse was a legendary Ethiopian singer.

He is considered one of the most popular artists of the 20th century. He was famous for his powerful tenor voice. A tenor is a high-pitched singing voice. During the 1960s, Ethiopia experienced a musical "Golden Age." Tilahun earned the nickname "The Voice" during this era. His music created a lasting legacy for Ethiopian culture. He was deeply loved by the people of his nation.

Tilahun's path to success required great determination. He was born on September 27, 1940, in Waliso. His parents were Gessesse Negusse and Gete Gurmu. As a child, he attended Ras Gobena Elementary school. His interest in music grew very quickly. His grandfather wanted him to focus on school. However, the school principal, Shedad, encouraged his musical talents. Shedad suggested Tilahun move to Sudan to study music. Tilahun did not go to Sudan, but he took the advice to heart.

At age 13, Tilahun made a bold choice. He decided to leave for Addis Ababa without his family's permission. He first tried to walk the distance. He traveled fifteen kilometers on foot before being caught in Tulu Bolo. He stayed overnight with an aunt and was sent back to Waliso. Tilahun refused to stay at his grandfather's house for long. He tried a second time to reach the capital. This time, he hid in the back of a loaded truck to escape.

Once in Addis Ababa, Tilahun began his professional career. He was first hired by the Hager Fikir Association. This group is now known as the Hager Fikir Theatre. Later, he joined the Imperial Bodyguard Band. He became a leading star with this group. His career faced a challenge in December 1960. An attempted coup d'état by the Imperial Bodyguard led to his arrest. Tilahun was sent to prison for a period of time. After this, he moved to the National Theater to continue performing.

Tilahun's musical output was vast and varied. He sang mostly in Amharic, but he also recorded in Oromo. He released his debut single, "Yehagere Shita," in 1970. This was released on 7" mono formats by Philips Records. He collaborated with famous musicians like Mulatu Astatke. In 1975, he released an eponymous LP on Amha Records. Later, he worked with The Walias to re-record older songs. These recordings were released under the Misrach Music Group starting in 1983.

Beyond entertainment, Tilahun used his fame for humanitarian work. During the famines of the 1970s and 1980s, he helped many people. His recordings raised large sums of money to provide aid. This work earned him great respect from the public. He received an honorary doctorate from Addis Ababa University. He also won a lifetime achievement award. This award came from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust.

Tilahun faced several personal hardships during his life. In 1993, he survived a life-threatening stabbing attempt. This event occurred on Ethiopian Easter Sunday. He also struggled with health issues for many years. He managed diabetes for a long time. Despite these challenges, he continued to record music. He even traveled to the United States to record. He released three CDs with Ethio-Grooves Records during this time.

Tilahun died on April 19, 2009, in Addis Ababa. He had just returned from the United States. His death was caused by complications from diabetes. His passing was a major event for the country. About one million people gathered in Meskel Square for his state funeral. Leaders like Prime Minister Meles Zenawi spoke of his greatness. Even after his death, his work continues. An unfinished project called "Kome Limerkish" was released in 2021. This album was produced by Abegasu Kibrework.