The renowned and veteran Ethiopian singer Tilahun Gessesse died at the age of 68 on Sunday night in Addis Ababa.
Tilahun, who has been getting threatment for diabetes in the United States, returned home to Ethiopia to join his friends and family for the Easter holiday. It was reported that Tilahun was complaining about pain in his heart on Sunday night and he passed away as he was being taken to a hospital.
The national television and several FM radio stations in Ethiopia began playing his songs in tribute and fans called to express their sorrow as well as honor the legendary vocalist. According to his family, Tilahun always wished his death would be on Ethiopian soil.
Tilahun, who sang songs both in Amharic and Afaan Oromo, was born on September 29, 1940 to Gete Gurmu and Gessesse Negusse. His music interest began while he attended Ras Gobena Elementary School in Waliso town, the base of Ethiopian Patriot Gurassu Duke during Italian occupation, and Tilahun was later hired by Hager Fikir Theater to start his career.
He produced several of his hit songs during the days of Emperor Haile Selassie I, as the lead singer in his imperial bodyguard band.
Tilahun sold millions of albums singing about love, family, unity and country. He has been a dominant figure in Ethiopian music and will receive a state funeral later this week. Tilahun was given a Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University for his contribution to music during his five decades of career and he received an award for lifetime achievement from the Ethiopian Fine Art and Mass Media Prize Trust.
i'm sorry to hear the death of our famous and beloved artist on easter day; i would like to express my deep condolences to his family and to all ethiopians.
